Emergency Plan for Tenants in Germany 2025

An emergency plan helps tenants in Germany act quickly and legally when water, heating, or power failures or acute damage occur. This guide explains in plain language which immediate steps to take, how to document defects, when and how to inform the landlord, and what legal actions are possible. We list the most important forms, explain the responsibilities of local courts and higher courts, and provide practical checklists for everyday rental living. The guidance is practical and clear so tenants can secure their homes and assert their rights.

Why an emergency plan matters

As a tenant you are entitled to a habitable apartment and the landlord's duty to remedy defects under the German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a.^[1] A structured plan reduces response time, protects health and property, and facilitates later legal action if the landlord does not respond.

Immediate actions

• Ensure personal safety: evacuate in danger and call emergency services if life is at risk.
• Stop hazards: turn off water, check fuses, or disconnect the main meter if necessary.
• Document damage with photos and notes including date, time and witnesses.
• Inform the landlord immediately and set a deadline for repairs; send a written defect notice.
• If urgent damage threatens, contact the building manager, tradespeople or emergency services.

Documentation and forms

Collect receipts, photos, witness statements and your written defect notice. For court proceedings you can apply for legal aid; the application for legal aid (PKH) is available on official form portals.^[3] Procedural rules are found in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2]

• Photos and videos with date and time stamps.
• Correspondence with the landlord and witness statements.
• Invoices for emergency repairs or services.

If court proceedings become necessary

Many tenancy disputes are first decided at the local court (Amtsgericht); eviction suits, rent reduction and other tenancy cases follow the procedural rules there. Check deadlines carefully and follow ZPO rules.^[2] If unsure, consider applying for legal aid or seeking legal advice; evidence and timely action are critical to success in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do in case of a severe water damage in my rental?

Protect people, stop the water supply if possible, document the damage and inform the landlord in writing immediately; keep photos and invoices.

Can I reduce my rent if the heating fails?

If there is a significant impairment, rent reduction may be possible; document the scope and duration of the defect and inform the landlord in writing; legal basis in the BGB §§535–580a.^[1]

How much does a court procedure cost?

Costs vary; consider applying for legal aid with the official application if you cannot afford court costs.^[3]

How-To

1. Assess the danger and bring people to safety.
2. Document the damage immediately: photos, time, witnesses, brief report.
3. Inform the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for repair.
4. If there is no reaction, consider rent reduction, compensation claims or court action.
5. If necessary, apply for legal aid and submit documents to the court.

Help and Support

• Courts and contact information (Justizportal)
• BGB - Legal text (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• Formulare-Bund (applications, e.g. legal aid)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Formulare-Bund (application for legal aid, PKH)