Emergency Plan at Home: Tenant Checklist Germany
As a tenant in Germany, a clear home emergency plan helps you act quickly and safely in cases of water or heating issues, power outages, or medical emergencies. The plan should list who to call, which important documents and contacts are ready, how to document damages and which short-term rights exist for rental defects. Common mistakes include missing evidence, unclear representation rules and overlooked deadlines. This guide explains which official forms and court steps are relevant, shows practical documentation and protection measures, and provides an actionable checklist for tenants in Germany.
Why a home emergency plan matters for tenants
An emergency plan reduces stress and protects your rights as a tenant. It helps you make fast decisions, safeguards property and eases communication with landlords, craftsmen or authorities. For rental defects, complete documentation can be decisive to enforce rent reduction or substantiate repair claims [1].
In Germany, tenants are entitled to habitable and functioning living conditions.
Common mistakes when creating a plan
- Missing documentation of damages and timestamps.
- Delayed or unclear notification to the landlord (no formal delivery).
- Incomplete emergency contacts (no representative, no list of tradespeople).
- Deadlines not recorded or exceeded.
- Failure to secure the apartment after water damage or burglary.
Respond within legal deadlines, otherwise claims may be lost.
Practical checklist for tenants
- Emergency contacts (landlord, caretaker, locksmith, family) recorded in writing.
- Prepare important documents: lease, handover protocol, payment receipts.
- Take photos and videos of damages with date and time.
- Report defects in writing, ideally by registered mail or documented email.
- Log all reports and responses with date/time.
Record the date and time of every message to the landlord.
How to document damages and use forms
Documentation is the core of an effective emergency plan: photos, entries in a damage log and copies of all messages. For rent reductions or terminations you should know the relevant BGB sections and, if necessary, prepare court steps under the ZPO [1][2]. If eviction or enforcement proceedings may occur, the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first competent authority; official procedural guidance helps avoid missed deadlines [3].
Detailed documentation increases your chances of success in legal disputes.
FAQ
- Can I reduce rent if the heating fails?
- Yes, for significant defects like heating failures tenants can reduce rent. Keep record of damage, duration and communications with the landlord and check the legal requirements in the BGB [1].
- How do I report a water damage correctly?
- Inform the landlord or caretaker immediately in writing, take photos and store water-sensitive items separately. Document times and any replies received.
- When is the local court competent?
- Many tenancy disputes such as eviction suits are handled by the local court; for questions about deadlines and types of actions consult official court information [3].
How-To
- Call emergency contacts immediately and inform landlord or caretaker.
- Photograph and document damages with date and time.
- Send a written defect notification by registered mail or documented email.
- Note all deadlines and, if needed, set a reasonable grace period.
- If no agreement is possible, prepare documents for proceedings at the local court.
Key Takeaways
- Good documentation is the most important evidence in tenancy disputes.
- Always report defects in writing and keep proof of delivery.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] German Civil Code (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
- [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
- [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
