Internet Outage: Tenant Rights in Germany

If your internet connection fails, it can quickly become a problem for tenants in Germany. Many underestimate the steps needed to secure evidence, meet deadlines and, if necessary, initiate an emergency procedure. This guide explains in plain language how, as a tenant, you can check your rights under the BGB and regarding rent reduction, which official forms and proofs are important, and how the local court handles disputes. You will find practical action steps, a sample defect notice, advice on documenting outage times and tips on how to make communication with the landlord and the internet provider legally secure.

What to do in case of an internet outage?

Practically, you should immediately document when the fault began, how long it lasted and what consequences (e.g. loss of work, home office problems) occurred. Legally, tenant claims often rely on the landlord's duties in the BGB; therefore check whether the outage constitutes a rental defect and whether a rent reduction is possible.^[1]

• Secure evidence: screenshots, log files, error messages and exact timestamps.
• Send a defect notice by registered mail or email with delivery receipt to the landlord.
• Contact the provider and request written confirmation of the outage.
• Observe deadlines: document response and repair times.

Forms, templates and practical examples

There is no nationwide mandatory form for a defect notice; a simple letter with date, description of the defect, a requested remedy period and a request for acknowledgement is sufficient. Example: "I hereby notify a substantial defect in the internet service. Please acknowledge receipt and provide a repair date within 14 days." For court steps, use the courts' forms and guidance; for emergency applications the ZPO applies and the application is filed at the competent local court.^[2]

When to consider an emergency procedure?

An emergency procedure makes sense when the outage causes immediate significant disadvantages (e.g. threat to employment, permanent loss of essential services) and quick interim court measures are necessary. The competent court is usually the local Amtsgericht; there you can file for an interim injunction or other provisional measures.^[3]

FAQ

Can I claim rent reduction due to internet outage?

Yes, under certain conditions an internet outage can constitute a rental defect. The extent, duration and consequences are decisive. Document outage times and effects before claiming a rent reduction.

When is an emergency procedure appropriate and how does it work?

An emergency procedure is appropriate when fast court decisions are necessary, for example in case of imminent damage. You file an application at the local court; the ZPO governs the procedure. Prepare evidence and a concise justification.

How-To

1. Secure evidence immediately: screenshots, logs, timestamps and outage reports.
2. Send a defect notice to the landlord: include date, description of the fault and a deadline for remedy.
3. Note deadlines: record response and repair dates.
4. Contact the provider: get written confirmation of the fault and a ticket number.
5. File an emergency application at the local court if immediate relief is needed.
6. Check and calculate rent reduction, apply proportionally for the affected period if justified.

Key Takeaways

• Careful documentation forms the basis of successful claims.
• Send defect notices in writing and within deadlines.
• Consider emergency court measures at the local court for urgent cases.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §535 - Duties of the landlord
• ZPO - Code of Civil Procedure
• Justice portal - information on courts and forms

1. [1] BGB §535 - Duties of the landlord – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO - Code of Civil Procedure – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justice portal - information on courts – justiz.de