Bicycle Theft for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to know how to react quickly and correctly after a bicycle theft. This article explains clear, practical steps: file a police report, secure evidence, inform the landlord and check claims with your household insurance. We describe deadlines, typical proofs and when a landlord can be liable for storage rooms in the building or cellar. The guidance is written in plain language with examples so tenants understand their rights and reduce risk. Documentation and prompt action increase the chance of recovery or compensation.

What to do immediately after the theft

Act quickly and in an organized way. The most important first steps help secure evidence and support later claims.

• File a police report: immediately in person or online, preferably with the bike's frame number and description.
• Take photos: document the lock, the parking location and missing parts.
• Look for witnesses and note contact details, such as neighbors or passers-by.
• Record the exact time and place, this helps police investigations.

Police report and evidence preservation

Theft is an offense under §242 StGB.^[1] Filing a police report creates an official basis for investigations and later insurance claims. Take the report number and a printout of the report to conversations with insurers or the landlord.

• Police report form: request a printed copy or confirmation from the police.
• Photo evidence and serial numbers: note the frame and component serial numbers.
• Contact log: document calls and e-mails to police, insurer and landlord.

Household insurance and liability

In many cases household (contents) insurance covers stolen bikes if they are included in the contract and theft conditions are met (e.g., storage location, lock requirements). Liability insurance covers third-party damage, not your own loss.

• Report damage to the household insurer: submit promptly with the police report number and photos.
• Provide receipts: purchase proof, photos of the bike, frame number and repair bills.
• Observe deadlines: many insurers require notification within a short time after discovery.

Rights as a tenant

Landlords have duties under the German Civil Code (BGB) to ensure the usability of the rental property (§§ 535–580a BGB).^[2] If bicycle rooms or cellars are insecure and the landlord fails to take reasonable protective measures, this can be relevant. Liability usually requires proof of the landlord's breach of duty.

• Check storage rooms: report defects in locks or doors to the landlord.
• Written request: ask for remediation and document the response in writing.
• In case of dispute: local courts (Amtsgerichte) typically handle tenancy-related cases.

FAQ

Do I have to inform the police if my bike is stolen?

Yes. A report is important for investigations and for presentation to the household insurer.

Will household insurance always pay for a stolen bike?

Not always. It depends on the coverage, the storage location and compliance with security requirements.

Can the landlord be held liable for a theft in the bike cellar?

Only if it can be proven that the landlord violated duties, for example by not fixing known security defects.

How-To

1. File a police report: go to the police immediately or use the online service and note the case number.
2. Secure evidence: document photos, frame number, witnesses and exact time/place.
3. Inform the insurer: submit the claim with the police report and supporting documents.
4. Inform the landlord in writing: report defects at the storage location and request measures.
5. Observe deadlines: respond promptly to inquiries from police and insurer.

Help and Support

• Federal Criminal Police Office – information on crime statistics and prevention
• Police – reporting and guidance on filing reports
• Laws in the Internet – BGB and tenancy provisions

1. [1] §242 StGB – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] §535 BGB – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Police – reporting and guidance