Inventory List Weekend: Tenant Tips for Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the practical problem of recording inventory and the condition of an apartment outside normal business hours in a legally secure way. Especially on weekends there are often no staff or property managers available, yet photos, notes and an agreed inventory list can be decisive if later disputes arise about damages or the deposit. This text explains in simple steps which pieces of evidence you should collect, how to reconcile an inventory list and which deadlines and official bodies are important so your documentation holds up in court. The guidance is aimed at practical use for tenants and shows concrete wording and procedures you can apply immediately.

Why an inventory list on weekends matters

At weekends there is often less staff available, but the condition and inventory should be documented as soon as possible. An agreed inventory list helps prevent misunderstandings and is useful for deposit issues or rent reduction. Landlord duties for maintenance and liability are regulated by law^[1], and if a legal dispute arises, the rules of civil procedure apply^[2]. Note date and time of each recording so it is clear when which evidence was created.

What to document on weekends

• Photos and videos of all relevant damage, defects and the overall condition of rooms.
• A written inventory list with meter readings and serial numbers of existing appliances.
• Signed witness statements if neighbors or helpers are present.
• All relevant documents: handover records, previous defect reports, emails and messages.
• Date and time stamps for each action to meet deadlines and appointments.

Practical steps: How to proceed on weekends

1. Start with a photo series: wide shots of the room, then close-ups of defects.
2. Fill out the inventory list and note meter readings, serial numbers and the condition of each item.
3. Inform the landlord by email and send the list and photos as attachments; record the sending time.
4. If possible, have a neighbor sign a brief confirmation of the photos.
5. Check deadlines: reporting defects and rent reduction require specific timing and formalities.

How to prepare evidence securely

Digital photos should be saved with camera model and timestamp; screenshots of messages are useful as supplements. Use a simple inventory list with columns for item, condition, serial number, date and signature. If you send a defect notice to the landlord, do so in writing by email or registered mail and note proof of receipt. In case of dispute, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible and decides on eviction, rent reduction or deposit disputes^[3].

FAQ

Do I need a signed inventory list from the landlord?

An agreed, ideally signed inventory list is very helpful because it documents a shared condition; if the signature is missing, your own records are admissible as evidence.

Are photos alone enough as evidence?

Photos are strong, but combine them with dates, descriptions and witness information to increase their weight.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Send the defect notice by registered mail or email with read receipt and document the dispatch.

How-To

1. Create an inventory list with date and condition description.
2. Photograph each complaint and keep files unchanged.
3. Send the list and photos to the landlord and request confirmation.
4. Keep all evidence until the matter is fully resolved.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 - Pflichten des Vermieters
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Informationen zu Klagen
• Justizportal Deutschland - Hinweise zu Amtsgerichten

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB §535
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — ZPO
3. [3] Justizportal Deutschland — Amtsgerichte