Lost Keys 2025: What Tenants in Germany Need to Know
If you, as a tenant in Germany, lose an apartment key, practical questions and legal obligations arise: who pays for replacement keys or a full lock exchange? When must the loss be reported to the landlord or the police, and does liability insurance or household contents insurance cover it? This article clearly explains which steps tenants should take in 2025, how to assert claims, which deadlines are important and which evidence you should collect. Record times, keep receipts and inform your insurer quickly to avoid jeopardizing claims.
What to do after losing a key
Act promptly, document everything and inform the right parties. Follow these steps as a guideline.
- Inform the landlord in writing immediately (notice) and ask about deadlines.
- Take photos of the lost key, the location and any damage (evidence).
- Collect receipts and invoices for locksmith or lock replacement (payment).
- Have the lock or cylinder checked and replaced if there is a security risk (lock).
- Report to your insurer immediately and provide required documents (file).
- Consider reporting to the police if you suspect theft (court).
Insurance: liability & household contents
Whether costs for replacement keys or a lock exchange are covered depends on the insurance contract. Private liability insurance can cover loss due to negligence (e.g., keyring with a name tag); household contents insurance rarely covers lost keys directly but may cover damage from a break-in after a key loss in certain cases.
Practical example: claim review
You lost the key and have the cylinder replaced. Submit the invoice plus the written notification to your landlord to your liability insurer. The insurer will review negligence and decide on coverage.
Rights and obligations under tenancy law
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the rented property under tenancy law; cost responsibility for lock replacement is often disputed. The circumstances of the loss and contractual agreements are decisive. See §§ 535–536 BGB[1] for landlord duties and possible rent reductions when security is inadequate.
If the landlord demands payment
The landlord can demand reimbursement if you caused the loss; if a lock exchange is necessary, the measures must be proportionate. If there are disagreements, local courts (Amtsgerichte) can decide.
FAQ
- Who pays if I lose my apartment key?
- It depends on the cause and the contract: in cases of gross negligence often the tenant, in unintentional loss or if security is affected the landlord may bear part of the cost. Check liability insurance terms and the lease.
- Do I have to report the loss to the police?
- If theft is suspected, filing a report is advisable; for simple loss it is not mandatory but can support an insurance claim.
- Does household contents insurance cover lost keys?
- Usually not directly; it can cover consequential damage after a break-in. Liability insurance is more likely to cover costs for negligent loss.
- What deadlines apply when notifying landlord or insurer?
- Report loss and damage in writing as soon as possible. Delays can jeopardize benefit claims.
How-To
- Send a written notification to the landlord: state date, place and circumstances.
- Collect evidence: photos, witnesses and note the time.
- Arrange security measures: replace the lock cylinder if necessary.
- Report the insurance claim: include invoice, confirmation of your notification and supporting documents.
- Keep invoices and request reimbursement if applicable.
Help and Support
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – case law on tenancy
- Justice portal – local court responsibilities
