Protect Tenants from Natural Damage in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you are often directly affected when heavy rain, floods or storms threaten your home. This checklist helps you quickly identify natural damage, document losses, adjust your household and liability insurance in a budget-friendly way, and meet deadlines. I explain step by step which documents are useful, when to inform your landlord and which forms or court actions may be necessary in an emergency. I also show how to report damage to insurers, which deadlines to observe and where to find sample forms. The guidance is plain, practical and does not assume legal expertise.
What tenants should do
Start with a quick assessment: check if people are at risk, secure yourself and others, and document damage carefully. Also review your rights under the provisions of the German Civil Code, in particular the duties of landlord and tenant (Sections 535–580a BGB)[1], and inform the landlord without delay.
- Take photos and note dates and times (photo)
- Create an inventory list of affected items (record)
- Notify the landlord in writing and document receipt (notice)
- Contact your insurer and report the claim (contact)
- Note deadlines and submit documents within required timeframes (deadline)
- Arrange immediate measures to prevent further damage (repair)
Check your insurance
Review your household and liability insurance for natural damage coverage. Some policies exclude floods or backflow; in other cases you can add coverage or change tariffs in a budget-friendly way. If unsure, consult official information pages and your policy details or use sample termination letters and forms from the Federal Ministry of Justice if adjustments are necessary.
- Compare insurance policies (payment)
- Check coverage limits and estimate needs (rent)
- Use official sample forms for claims (notice)
Deadlines and legal steps
If landlords do not respond or liability is disputed, tenants can enforce their rights in court. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) generally handle tenancy disputes; higher instances include regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice for precedent-setting decisions.[2] Observe deadlines under the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) for actions and assemble complete documentation.
- If in dispute, consider filing at the competent local court (court)
- Organize evidence chronologically (record)
- Observe ZPO deadlines, especially for objections and filings (deadline)
FAQ
- Who pays for natural damage to the rental property?
- Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintenance of the rental property, while the tenant must insure their own household effects. Damage to the building is usually covered by the owner or the building insurance; movable personal property is covered by household insurance.[1]
- Can I reduce rent because of damage?
- In case of significant impairments to usability, tenants may reduce the rent. The amount depends on the individual case; document the defect and inform the landlord in writing.
- Which forms or templates do I need?
- Use claim forms from your insurer and, if needed, sample termination letters or damage reports. Official forms are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice and legal databases.[3]
How-To
- Document the damage immediately: photos, list of damaged items, date and time.
- Inform the landlord in writing and provide proof of receipt.
- Report the damage to household and liability insurers and clarify coverage.
- Carry out immediate measures to limit damage and keep receipts.
- If necessary, collect evidence and consider filing at the local court.
Key Takeaways
- Early documentation improves chances in insurance and legal claims.
- Appropriate household and elementar coverage reduces financial risk.
Help and Support / Resources
- Civil Code (BGB): Sections 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
- Forms and services — bmj.de
