Bike Theft and Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants in Germany suddenly face the question: who is liable if a bicycle is stolen in front of the apartment? This text explains in plain language which rights and obligations tenants have, when liability or household insurance applies, and which steps are necessary for reporting, claims and communication with the landlord. The guidance is aimed specifically at tenants and shared flats (WGs) and provides practical templates, deadlines and examples for reporting to the police and insurer. The goal is to guide you safely through the first 72 hours after the theft and to explain legal options clearly.

What tenants should do immediately

Act quickly: documentation helps later with insurers and any court disputes. Note time, place, photos of the lock and any damage as well as witnesses. Save receipts or serial numbers of the bicycle and secure digital proof.

• Collect evidence: photos, proof of purchase, frame number and record witnesses.
• File a police report: go to the police immediately or report online to obtain a report confirmation.
• Check insurance: clarify liability vs. household contents insurance and prepare a claim.

Notify the insurer and, if relevant, the landlord promptly. Whether the landlord is responsible often depends on the lease agreement and the use of shared storage areas. Legal foundations can be found in the tenancy law of the German Civil Code (BGB) ^[1].

Liability: Liability insurance or household contents?

As a tenant you should check two types of insurance: private liability insurance usually covers damage you cause to third parties, but not theft of your property. Household contents insurance protects your belongings against theft if the bicycle was inside your apartment or in a locked cellar/storage room. Read policies carefully and note reporting deadlines.

Forms and templates

Use written templates for:

• Claim to the household contents insurer with date, receipt and photos.
• Police report confirmation as proof for the insurer.
• Written information to the landlord if common areas are affected.

Practical examples

Example: Bicycle stolen from locked cellar. Document, photograph, report to police, obtain report copy, inform household contents insurer, use templates, observe deadlines. If the landlord violated access controls, tenancy claims can be examined (§§ 535–580a BGB). ^[1] For disputes about eviction or damages, civil procedure rules and deadlines must be observed. ^[2]

FAQ

Who pays if the bicycle is stolen outside the apartment?

If the bicycle was on public ground, household contents insurance usually only pays for theft from a proven locked storage; private liability generally does not cover this.

Do I have to inform the landlord?

Yes, especially if common areas or rented storage rooms are affected, because this concerns liability issues and safety measures.

What deadlines must I observe?

File the police report and insurance claim immediately; insurers often specify deadlines in days for notification.

Anleitung

1. Document everything: photos, proof of purchase, frame number and witnesses.
2. File a police report immediately and obtain written confirmation.
3. Report the claim to your household contents insurer in writing and attach evidence.
4. For disputes, consider tenancy legal steps and possible claims at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§535–580a: Tenancy law basics
• Information on courts and responsibilities (BMJ)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law
• Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) – Bicycle theft information

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice – Courts and responsibilities
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions