Covering Natural Damage for Renters in Germany

What are natural (elemental) damages?

Natural damages are losses caused by natural events such as floods, storms, heavy rain or ground subsidence. As a renter in Germany you should know which risks affect your flat, who is responsible for repairs and how insurance typically works. For many students, furniture, electronics and personal documents are particularly at risk; quick documentation and communication with the landlord and insurer help with claims handling.

Which insurances help?

Fundamentally there are two types of insurance that can protect tenants: contents insurance and private liability insurance. They serve different purposes: contents covers movable items, liability protects against third-party claims.

Contents insurance

Contents insurance reimburses damaged or destroyed belongings (furniture, clothing, electronics) after an insured natural event. Check your policy for elemental coverage such as flood or heavy rain; students should compare price ranges and deductibles.

Liability insurance

Private liability insurance applies if you cause damage to third parties — for example, if water from your apartment penetrates the apartment below. Also check coverage limits and reporting obligations to the insurer.

Documenting damage and deadlines

Documentation is crucial: photos, videos, an inventory of damaged items and witness statements strengthen your claims with landlord and insurer. Report damages in writing and keep copies of all messages.

1. Step 1: Document immediately (evidence) — take photos and videos of the damage source and affected items.
2. Step 2: Inform the landlord in writing (form) — describe the damage, set a deadline for repair and obtain confirmation of receipt.
3. Step 3: Contact your insurer (call) — have your policy number ready and submit the claim.
4. Step 4: If disputed, consider the competent local court (court). ^[3]

Forms and official steps

There is no nationwide standard damage form for tenants; insurers provide their own claim forms. For court actions use the rules of the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) and the forms of the competent local court. Read the relevant sections of the BGB on tenancy to understand landlord obligations and rent reduction rules. ^[1]

Rights regarding defects and measures

• Check rent reduction — if living quality is significantly affected, a rent reduction may be possible.
• Request repairs from the landlord — set a written deadline and consider further steps if there is no response.
• Reimbursement via insurance — check whether contents or liability insurance cover costs (rent).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does contents insurance cover natural damage?

It depends on the policy: natural damage is often only covered with a separate elemental module. Read your policy and ask your insurer if unsure.

Who pays for repairs to the apartment (e.g., flooring)?

Structural damage to the rental property is generally the landlord's responsibility under the rules of the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535 et seq.

When is a court competent?

Disputes about rent reduction, termination or eviction suits are initially heard at the competent local court; procedural rules are governed by the ZPO. ^[2]

How-To

1. Within the first 24–48 hours: photograph damages and list affected items (deadline).
2. Day 1–3: send written damage reports to landlord and insurer and obtain confirmation of receipt (form).
3. Within insurer deadlines: call the insurer and supplement the online claim (call).
4. If necessary: seek advice and contact the local court for legal action (court). ^[3]

Key takeaways

• Document everything immediately and keep copies.
• Observe reporting deadlines to safeguard your rights.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §535 et seq. – Landlord obligations (help)
• ZPO – Civil procedure rules (help)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law (help)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff.
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Decisions and information