Tenant Contents Insurance in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany you should know your contents insurance for 2025: it protects movable belongings against damage from fire, tap water, burglary or storm. Often there are add-ons for glass breakage, bicycle theft or natural hazards. Important are the correct sum insured and avoiding underinsurance. In the event of damage, document harm immediately with photos, keep receipts and notify the insurer and the property manager within deadlines. If responsibilities between landlord and tenant are unclear, the BGB helps,^[1] especially rules on maintenance obligations. This article explains what tenants must watch for, which forms and proofs are necessary and which steps help to assert claims quickly. Free and paid sample forms are also named.

What does contents insurance cover?

Contents insurance protects movable property in the apartment. Typical modules are:

• Fire
• Tap water damage (repair)
• Burglary/theft (safety)
• Storm and hail
• Bicycle theft outside the home
• Natural hazard coverage (optional, warning)

How to behave after damage

Quick and correct steps increase the chances of a successful claim settlement:

• Take photos and document the condition fully (document)
• File a police report for burglary or vandalism (file)
• Report the claim to the insurer within the deadline (form)
• Collect receipts, invoices and estimates (document)
• Inform the landlord early if the apartment is affected (contact)
• Observe deadlines and document responses (deadline)
• Check invoices before approving repairs (payment)

Important forms and templates

For tenants the following official templates and procedures are relevant:

• Sample termination letter from the Federal Ministry of Justice (example for tenancy termination); use the template if you must terminate yourself or need to formally document a timely return.^[3]
• Police report: file a report immediately in case of theft or burglary; insurers often require this.
• Claim forms and court correspondence for eviction proceedings: procedures generally follow the Code of Civil Procedure and are handled at the local court; check deadlines and formal requirements in disputes.^[2]

Courts: tenancy disputes are usually heard first at local courts, then district courts and the Federal Court of Justice for precedents.^[4]

FAQ

Do tenants have to have contents insurance?

No, it is not legally mandatory, but it protects personal items and is recommended in many leases or useful for specific coverage like bicycle clauses.

Who pays for water damage?

Contents insurance covers damaged movable items; building damages are usually the landlord's responsibility; clarify and inform both parties.

How quickly must I report a claim?

Reports should be made immediately; many insurance contracts require notification within a few days; observe contractual deadlines and form requirements.

How-To

1. Take photos and document all damage.
2. File a police report for theft or vandalism.
3. Notify the insurer in writing and attach all evidence.
4. Collect receipts, proofs of purchase and estimates.
5. Inform the landlord promptly if the dwelling is affected.
6. Watch deadlines and keep written records.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB
• Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz – Musterformulare und Hinweise
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof – Decisions on tenancy law