Report Gas Smell: Tenant Help in Germany
Tenants should take the smell of gas seriously, especially when children or elderly family members live in the household. In Germany, tenant rights in dangerous situations are clear: you can notify emergency services and the landlord, refuse entry, and assert defects that have been documented. This guide explains step by step how families should respond, which authorities and courts are responsible, and which forms or proofs are helpful. It shows how to securely log damage and communications and which deadlines to observe. The advice is practical and tailored to tenants in Germany so you can act quickly, protect your home, and remain legally secure. If uncertain, you will find official links and templates below.
What to do when you smell gas?
If you notice a gas smell, every second matters. Follow these immediate measures and inform household members, the landlord, and emergency services if there is danger.
- Call emergency number 112 (call) — in case of immediate danger or suspicion of gas explosion.
- Open windows and doors, do not operate electrical switches and avoid open flames.
- Inform the landlord or property management (contact) and describe the situation.
- If possible, shut off the gas supply or instruct a specialist company (repair) — only if safe to do so.
- Take photos (photo) and note times; record names of witnesses and involved services.
Rights and obligations for tenants
As a tenant, you have the right to a safe dwelling; the landlord must remedy defects. The relevant statutory regulations are in the BGB, especially regarding tenant obligations and defect rights (§§ 535–580a). [1] Inform the landlord in writing and demand remedy, if necessary with a deadline.
- Send a written defect notice (form) — include date, location, description, and desired deadline.
- Save evidence (photo) — keep photos, videos, and communication logs.
- If necessary, commission a specialist company for measurement/sealing (repair) and keep invoices.
- For disputes, you can consider court action at the competent local court (court).
Contacts and courts
In emergencies, the fire department and rescue services are responsible. For legal disputes in tenancy law, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually the first port of call; appeals go to regional courts and in precedent cases the Federal Court of Justice may decide. [2]
Forms and sample letters
Use a written defect notice or a sample letter to set deadlines and document claims. The federal ministry provides general sample letters and guidance that you can adapt to your situation. [3] Example: "Defect notice due to gas smell" requesting remedy within 48 hours and stating that you will consider notifying authorities or reducing rent if not corrected.
FAQ
- Who do I call first, emergency services or the landlord?
- In immediate danger always call emergency number 112 first; afterwards notify the landlord and property management in writing.
- Can I leave the apartment and return later?
- Leave the apartment until emergency services or a specialist declare it safe; return only with their clearance.
- Who pays for emergency measures or repairs?
- Generally the landlord is responsible for remedying hazards; in exceptional cases, short-term emergency measures by third parties may be necessary and should be documented.
How-To
- Recognize: Smell, check if other persons are affected, open windows immediately (call).
- Alert: Inform emergency number 112 and the landlord (contact).
- Document: Note photos, times and witnesses (photo).
- Report in writing: Send a defect notice with a deadline to the landlord (form).
- Legal steps: If not remedied, seek legal advice and consider filing with the local court (court).
Help and Support / Resources
- Gesetze im Internet – BGB (§§ 535–580a)
- Federal Court of Justice – information on the court system
- Federal Ministry of Justice – guidance and sample letters
