Lost Keys: Tenant Tips for Students in Germany

As a student renting in Germany, a lost key can quickly cause stress, costs and uncertainty. Many tenants are unsure who pays for lock replacement, spare keys or damages, or which deadlines apply. This article explains clearly which first steps help, which official rules from tenancy law to consider, and how liability or household insurance can assist in practice. It offers practical advice for dorm residents and shared flats, how to collect evidence and when calling the landlord or filing a police report makes sense. At the end you will find a short how-to, FAQs and official sources for forms and laws in Germany.

What to do if you lose your keys

Act quickly and in an orderly manner: inform the landlord or property manager first and check whether spare keys are held. In Germany, tenancy law regulates the duties of tenants and landlords, especially regarding use and protection of the rented property; see the BGB §§ 535–580a^[1]. Check whether theft has occurred; if so, file a police report. Document date, place and all circumstances to increase the chances of insurance coverage.

• Inform the landlord or property manager immediately and ask about spare keys.
• If theft is suspected, file a police report and keep a copy of the report.
• Collect photos, witness names and all relevant notes to document the incident.
• Check access: are spare keys held by flatmates, caretakers or management?
• Check insurance: contact liability and, if applicable, household insurance about possible coverage.

Costs, lock changes and liability

Who pays depends on cause and fault. If the building's security is endangered, the landlord can require a lock change; in many cases the responsible party pays if they acted negligently. Check your rental agreement and discuss repairs or replacements with the landlord in writing. For disputes about costs and entitlement, the statutory provisions in the BGB are decisive^[1].

Records and communication

Good documentation helps later in court or with insurers: name witnesses, keep invoices and note all phone calls and emails. Send important notices by email or registered mail when deadlines matter. For formal legal proceedings, rules of civil procedure such as the ZPO apply^[2], and many tenancy disputes are heard in local courts.

• Keep invoices from locksmiths and cost estimates.
• Keep written communication with the landlord by email or registered letter.
• Observe deadlines: respond to letters in time to avoid losing rights.

FAQ

Who pays for a lock replacement if I lose my key?

It depends on fault and whether the building's security is at risk; often the responsible person pays; if unclear, landlord and tenant should resolve it in writing.

Do I have to notify the police?

If theft is suspected, you should file a report; the report can be important for insurers and possible legal steps.

What role does my liability insurance play?

Private liability insurance can cover replacement or consequential costs if you caused the loss; check policy terms and report the claim promptly.

How-To

1. Inform landlord or property manager: give name, date and circumstances of the loss.
2. Check security: are spare keys available or is a lock change necessary?
3. Gather evidence: photos, invoices, police report and correspondence.
4. Contact insurance: notify liability/household insurer and submit the claim.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - Case law

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)