Emergency Plan for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, it is important to prepare a simple home emergency plan before signing a lease. Such a plan explains how to act quickly in case of acute damage, heating failure, water damage or impending eviction, which documents to keep ready and who to contact. This guide walks you through an easy checklist, explains relevant rights under the BGB and shows concrete template letters for defect notices and terminations. We also describe which deadlines to observe, how to secure evidence and how courts may respond in rental disputes. Practice the plan with cohabitants so everyone knows what to do and which documents matter in an emergency.[1]
What belongs in an emergency plan?
An emergency plan helps you act quickly, calmly and correctly when damage occurs. The following points should be included:
- Note deadlines and appointments (e.g. for defect notifications, setting deadlines)
- Collect important documents (lease, handover protocol, photos as evidence)
- Contacts: landlord, caretaker, local emergency services and lawyer
- Description of simple immediate measures for plumbing or heating issues
- Keep template letters for defect notices and termination ready
Store dated receipts and photos immediately so damages are easier to prove later.
Checklist before signing
Before signing the lease, check these points systematically:
- Read lease duration, termination periods and special agreements
- Check cost breakdown: base rent, utilities, deposit and possible reserves
- Clarify landlord access rights and rules on apartment condition/keys
- Record known defects and note them in the handover protocol
- Add emergency contacts and insurance numbers
Do not sign agreements that limit your statutory tenant rights.
Forms, templates and legal basis
Important templates for tenants include a written defect notice or a termination letter template; official legal texts on tenancy law are available in the Civil Code (BGB). Practical example: a defect notice names the defect, sets a reasonable deadline for remedy and documents consequences (e.g. rent reduction). More detailed legal rules are contained in the BGB.[1]
Oral reports are legally possible, but written defect notices are far more persuasive.
FAQ
- What should I do if the heating fails in winter?
- Contact the landlord or caretaker immediately, document temperature and downtime, send a written defect notice and set a reasonable deadline for repair.
- How do I report a serious water damage correctly?
- Ensure safety, photograph the damage, notify the landlord in writing with a deadline and keep receipts for consequential costs.
- Where do I turn in a dispute about rent reduction or termination?
- First try to reach an amicable solution; if that fails the local court (Amtsgericht) has jurisdiction and appeals proceed to higher courts such as regional courts and the BGH.[2]
How-To
- Collect all relevant documents (lease, handover protocol, photos).
- Note emergency contacts: landlord, property management, tradespeople, insurer.
- Draft a defect notice with a deadline and send it in a way that provides proof of delivery.
- Perform simple immediate measures and document everything.
- Practice the procedure with household members and save copies in multiple locations.
Well-documented actions speed up resolution with landlords or courts.
Help and Support
- Civil Code (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - official site
- Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)
