Key Loss and Tenant Insurance in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, losing a key can quickly become an unpleasant situation: beyond replacing locks, there may be locksmith costs and potential liability issues. Many students ask whether liability or household contents insurance covers such damage and which deadlines or forms must be observed. This article explains in plain language which insurance options are typical, when landlords should be involved, which official forms and proofs are relevant, and which steps help with larger costs or disputes — including notes on court procedures and where tenants can find legal help. This helps you as a tenant or student in Germany decide which protection makes sense. At the end you will find practical examples and references to official forms.

Which damages do liability and household contents insurance cover?

Generally: private liability insurance covers damage you cause to others' property; household contents insurance protects movable items in your flat. For tenants this means that compensation claims a landlord may make for damage to the rental property are anchored in tenancy law.^[1]

• Lock replacement: exchanging the door lock if there is danger to third parties.
• Locksmith and emergency costs: costs for changing locks or emergency opening may apply.
• Damage to locking systems: repairs or system replacements depending on cause and coverage.
• Documentation: photos, receipts and notifications to insurer and landlord secure claims.

What should tenants do immediately?

Act promptly: notify the landlord, check your insurance contracts and collect receipts. Clarify whether you are solely responsible or a third party is affected (for example, a shared flat key).

• Inform the landlord: report briefly in writing and describe the damage.
• Contact a locksmith: obtain a cost estimate if it is an emergency.
• Collect evidence: receipts, photos and exact times.
• Check insurance: inform liability or household contents insurer and clarify any deductible.

Forms, proofs and legal steps

For larger damage or disputes it may be necessary to prepare official forms, damage reports or even legal action. Information on procedural steps is available in the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2] Templates and guidance on official forms are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice.^[3]

If a landlord refuses payment or a possession claim is threatened, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are competent in the first instance; more complex legal issues can reach the Federal Court of Justice.^[4]

FAQ

Does private liability insurance cover my lost key?

Often yes, if the loss affects another's property or the loss demonstrably caused damage; check your policy and report the claim promptly.

Does household contents insurance pay for changing the door lock?

Household contents insurance usually does not cover lock replacement, as it protects movable items; exceptions may apply, check your contract.

Do I have to inform the landlord immediately?

Yes. Inform the landlord in writing about the loss and keep a copy of the message.

How-To

1. Act immediately: inform landlord and insurer within 24–48 hours.
2. Contact a locksmith and obtain a cost estimate.
3. Gather evidence: photos, witnesses, receipts and exact times.
4. Submit a written damage report to your liability insurer with supporting documents.
5. Check landlord recourse claims and agree on cost coverage in writing.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: Civil Code (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet: Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz - BMJ
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)