Natural Damage Checklist for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to recognise natural damage in a shared flat early and to sort financial and organisational issues. This checklist helps flatmates compare damage from floods, storms or heavy snow, choose suitable liability and household insurance, clarify responsibilities in the tenancy and meet deadlines for notifications. You will find concrete steps, examples for damage reports and guidance on what evidence is useful in court or with insurers. The information explains practical steps in plain language and refers to relevant laws and courts in Germany in case disputes escalate.

What are natural hazards?

Natural hazards are damages caused by natural events such as floods, heavy rain, storms, heavy snow or landslides. For tenants in Germany it is important whether the damage affects the usability of the apartment; in many cases the landlord has maintenance duties under § 535 BGB, and rules on rent reduction apply under § 536 BGB.^[1]

Which insurances help?

For flatmates two types of insurance are central: personal liability insurance (covers damage tenants cause to others) and household contents insurance (covers movable items in the home). Not every household insurance automatically covers natural hazards; check for additional natural hazard coverage.

Practical checklist for comparing in shared flats

• Compare coverage limits and deductibles of household contents insurance.
• Check whether natural hazards (flood, storm, landslide, heavy snow) are included.
• Documentation: have photos, dates, witnesses, inventory lists and receipts ready.
• Send notifications to landlord and insurer within deadlines.
• Store contact details of all flatmates and policy numbers centrally.

When and how to report claims

Inform the landlord in writing first and report the damage to your household insurer at the same time. If there are health risks or habitability issues, act quickly and consider rent reduction (§ 536 BGB)^[1]. If disputes arise, civil proceedings before the local court may be necessary; procedures follow the ZPO.^[2]

Forms and templates

For court actions use the claim form at the competent local court or the court's legal aid forms if applicable. A common case is the landlord's eviction claim or a claim for damages; procedural rules are in the ZPO.^[2]

FAQ

Who pays for natural hazard damage in a shared flat?

Generally the party at fault is liable; for natural events it depends on insurance and contractual arrangements. Landlords and tenants should check policies and settle costs internally.

Can I reduce the rent?

If the living quality is affected, a rent reduction may be possible. The legal basis is in the BGB and should be checked individually.^[1]

Where can I get legal advice?

Contact the local court for proceedings or a consumer advice service; official laws are available online.^[3]

How-To

1. Photograph the damage and record the date.
2. Send a written damage report to landlord and insurer.
3. Check inventory and collect receipts.
4. Report the claim by phone to the insurer and note the case number.
5. If there is a dispute, consider a claim or advice at the local court.

Key Takeaways

• You must actively compare policies and deadlines to secure claims.
• An appropriate natural hazard add-on protects flatmates financially.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet – Official legal texts
• Federal Court of Justice – Decisions
• Federal Ministry of Justice

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB)
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice