Legionella Checks for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany, you should know how legionella checks work and which obligations landlords have. This guide clearly explains applicable deadlines, tenants' rights during sampling, water and drinking-water treatment, and the steps you can take immediately. You will learn when you must allow access, how to document defects and when a rent reduction may be possible. Additionally, you will find notes on official forms, competent courts and authorities, and practical templates for letters to landlords. The goal is to help tenants maintain housing safety and avoid drinking-water uncertainties similar to COVID concerns. At the end you will find a checklist with concrete dates and form tips so tenant protection can be implemented practically in Germany.

What tenants in Germany need to know

Legionella are regulated through the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV)^[1]. Landlords are required to carry out risk analyses and, if necessary, sampling. As a tenant you have rights to information and safe water supply under §§ 535–580a BGB^[2]. If there is suspicion, document all measurements and notifications in writing.

Practical checklist for tenants

• Check deadlines (deadline): Note dates for inspections and sampling deadlines.
• Allow access (entry): Cooperate with access to water connections when the landlord announces it in good time.
• Report defects in writing (form): Send a defect notice by email or registered mail to the landlord.
• Create documentation (evidence): Photograph water points and save measurement records.
• Consider rent reduction (rent): For significant health risks, examine your right to reduce rent.

If your landlord does not arrange checks or take measures, you can contact the local court or seek legal advice; rental disputes are usually heard at the local court (Amtsgericht)^[3].

What to include in a defect notice

A defect notice helps to document your claims. State the date, affected connections, visible defects, health indications and request a deadline for remediation. Use registered mail or email with delivery receipt.

FAQ

Who pays for the legionella check?

As a rule, the landlord bears the costs for drinking-water tests because they belong to property management.

Can the landlord check my water connections without prior notice?

No, the landlord must generally announce inspections in good time; acute dangers may justify exceptions.

What can I do if the landlord does not respond?

Document defects, send a defect notice and, if necessary, consider legal action at the local court.

How-To

1. Record the date of landlord contact and set a written deadline of 14 days.
2. Create a defect notice and send it by registered mail or email.
3. Collect evidence: photos, protocols and medical certificates if necessary.
4. If there is no response, set a second deadline and announce legal steps if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Trinkwasserverordnung (TrinkwV) - Gesetze im Internet
• [2] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. - Gesetze im Internet
• [3] Information on courts (Amtsgerichte) - Justiz

1. [1] Trinkwasserverordnung (TrinkwV) - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Information on courts (Amtsgerichte) - Justiz