Emergency Plan at Home for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant family in Germany you should have a simple, well documented emergency plan for home. An emergency plan helps to act quickly in case of fire, burst pipes, power outage or sudden health problems, to protect important documents and to clarify responsibilities. This guide explains which documents tenants should keep, which official forms are relevant, how to check deadlines and notification duties and where to find official help in Germany. The language is intentionally clear and aimed at tenants without legal expertise; practical checklists, action instructions and notes on local courts and laws are included so you stay prepared and can act correctly in an emergency. Keep copies both digitally and on paper.

What belongs in an emergency plan for tenant families?

An emergency plan for tenants should be short, clear and easily accessible. It includes contact lists, escape routes, locations of main connections (water, electricity), a list of important documents and notes about tenancy law and landlord obligations.

• Emergency numbers and contacts with phone numbers (e.g. 112, family doctor, emergency contacts).
• Location and access to important documents such as the tenancy agreement, insurance details, ID cards and where digital copies are stored.
• Brief instructions for shutting off water and electricity and the location of fuses and main valves.
• List of medications, allergies and special needs of household members.

Preparing documents and official forms

As a tenant you should know the relevant laws and forms. Important legal rules on tenancy are in the German Civil Code (BGB) (§§ 535–580a).^[1] For concrete emergency plans and behavioral recommendations, the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) is a central official source.^[2] Keep termination notices, correspondence with the landlord and receipts organized; digital photos of damage are often decisive as evidence.

Concrete steps for common emergencies

The following steps help you respond quickly and in a legally safe way. Note deadlines, report damage to the landlord and document everything.

• In danger: call 112 immediately and ensure the safety of persons.
• Document damages with photos and note date/time.
• Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline for remedying the defect.
• If necessary, consider rent reduction and prepare documentation (see BGB provisions).^[1]

Rights, obligations and responsibilities

Tenants are entitled to a habitable dwelling; the landlord is responsible for maintenance (§ 535 BGB).^[1] In disputes about deadlines or scope of repairs, the local court is competent; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice.^[3] In an emergency the BBK can provide concrete behavior recommendations, e.g. on evacuation and accommodation.

FAQ

What must I do as a tenant in an emergency?

Prioritize rescue and safety of persons, call emergency services, document damages and inform the landlord.

Can I reduce the rent if the apartment is uninhabitable?

In certain circumstances yes; check the legal requirements in the BGB and document the defect and its duration.

Who decides in disputes about repairs?

Often an out-of-court agreement resolves the issue first; if necessary the competent local court decides.

How-To

1. Define emergency numbers and important contacts and save them numerically.
2. Collect important documents, make copies and store them in a secure place.
3. Document damages with photos, note the date and inform the landlord in writing.
4. Set deadlines, secure correspondence and seek legal help if necessary (local court).

Help and Support / Resources

• BBK: Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance
• German Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

---

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Judicial Competence