Emergency Plan for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should have a clear plan for emergencies: which documents are important, which deadlines apply and which forms to keep ready. This text helps tenants create a simple checklist and explains how to document damages, heating failures or impending eviction and respond within deadlines. I name specific forms, practical examples and useful tips on evidence, notifications to the landlord and authorities. The goal is that in an acute situation you quickly know which steps are necessary before, during and after the event, which deadlines to observe and how to store documents securely. Legal sources and courts are listed so that you can act with confidence.

Important documents and how to secure them

Keep copies centrally (digital and physical). The following records are often decisive:

• Tenancy agreement and handover protocol (document)
• Correspondence with the landlord, emails and letters (receipt)
• Photos and videos of damages (photo)
• Payment receipts, deposit proof, bank statements (rent)
• Official notifications or forms, for example defect notification (form)

Deadlines and steps in an emergency

Many claims depend on deadlines: report defects immediately, document communication and check the landlord's legal duties (^[1]). In acute dangers a fast report is important; for economic consequences deadlines for rent reduction and damages must be observed.

Heating failure

• Make photos and temperature notes and secure them as evidence (heating)
• Inform the landlord immediately and set a deadline (within)
• Create a written defect notice and document sending by registered mail (document)

Water damage

• Record the cause photographically and stop the leak if possible (repair)
• Inform your insurer and observe deadlines for damage notification (within)
• Collect estimates and invoices (document)

Impending eviction

• Check whether the termination is formal and timely; observe legal bases in the BGB (^[1])
• In case of a lawsuit or eviction threat, inform the competent local court (or regional court) immediately and note ZPO deadlines (^[2][4])
• Collect all receipts, payment proofs and correspondence; earlier BGH decisions can be relevant in disputes (^[3])

Frequently asked questions

Which documents do I need for an emergency?

Above all the tenancy agreement, handover protocol, photos, payment receipts and written defect notifications.

How quickly must I react?

Defects should be reported immediately; legal steps often have short deadlines, so act promptly.

Who decides on rent reduction or eviction?

In disputes, the local court usually decides; in higher instances the regional court or the BGH.

How-To: Create an emergency plan

1. Collect all relevant documents in one place (document).
2. Note deadlines and appointments (within) and set reminders.
3. Create a contact list with landlord, property management, insurer and local court (contact).
4. Document damages with photo and date (repair).
5. Send defect notifications in writing and save receipts (form).
6. Review your documents after the crisis and back up copies in multiple places (approved).

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a (tenancy law) (document)
• Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) - debt and court proceedings (document)
• Decisions on tenancy law - Federal Court of Justice (court)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht - Bundesgerichtshof
4. [4] Zuständigkeit Amtsgerichte / Gerichtsportal - justiz.de