Prove Internet Outage: Tenant Checklist Germany
As a tenant in Germany, a prolonged internet outage can significantly reduce the value of your residence. Whether for home office, school or smart home: you should document downtime legally to possibly enforce a rent reduction or assert claims against the landlord or provider. This guide explains in clear steps which evidence is important (photos, screenshots, router logs, timestamps, written communication), how to draft formal notifications and which courts are competent. The language stays understandable and practical so you know what evidence will persuade a court in Germany without legal jargon.
What to document
Good documentation is the basis for any rent reduction claim. Collect evidence systematically, date each record and keep original files separately. Keep emails and registered mail receipts and note how long and how often the outage occurs.
- Photos of router LEDs, error messages and screenshots of error pages.
- Speedtest screenshots with date and time as proof of reduced bandwidth.
- Exported router or connection logs and provider status messages.
- Written notifications to landlord and provider by email and, if possible, additionally by registered mail.
- Contact records and witnesses: note date, time and names of people who can confirm the outage.
- Proofs of rent payments: continue paying, note payment dates and keep transfer receipts.
Forms and legal steps
There is no specific "rent reduction form number"; typical steps are formal letters to the landlord, reminders to the provider and, in dispute, a lawsuit at the competent local court. Tenancy law governs landlord duties and tenant rights in the BGB[1], and rent reduction is described in § 536 BGB[2]. For filing a lawsuit, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply, e.g. for bringing an action[3]. In your letter, state duration and effect of the outage, attach copies of evidence and set a deadline for remedy.
Practical example: sample workflow
1) Immediately: take photos and screenshots. 2) Within 24–48 hours: contact the provider and note the ticket number. 3) After 2–3 days: inform the landlord in writing with copies of evidence. 4) If no improvement: set a deadline and announce possible rent reduction. Keep all communications in writing.
FAQ
- Can I reduce my rent because of an internet outage?
- Yes, if the usability of the rental is significantly restricted, a rent reduction may be possible. The basis is §§ 535 et seqq. BGB, especially § 536 on rent reduction.[2]
- How many percent rent reduction is usual?
- There are no fixed percentages; the amount depends on the extent of the impairment (e.g. complete outages vs. reduced bandwidth). Court decisions assess the concrete circumstances.
- Where do I file a lawsuit?
- The competent court is usually the local Amtsgericht at your place of residence. The rules of the ZPO apply to filing and procedure.[3]
How‑To
- Take and secure photos and screenshots in a folder.
- Export router logs and save them as files.
- Record each incident with date and time.
- Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline for remedy.
- Record provider tickets and conversation notes.
- If necessary, prepare a lawsuit at the competent local court and attach evidence.
