Lost Keys: What Tenants in Germany Pay

Losing a house key is often stressful for tenants in Germany. Tenants should know when they must pay for replacement or lock changes, how liability and household insurance can apply, and which steps limit costs and legal issues. This guide explains when landlords may be responsible, which receipts help, and how to report the loss to the landlord, police, or insurer correctly. The aim is to give clear steps so you save time, money, and potential legal disputes.

Who pays if a key is lost?

Generally, if the tenant loses the key, they are usually responsible for the costs of replacing the key and possibly changing the lock. It matters whether the tenant is at fault or whether theft can be proven with a police report. The landlord's maintenance obligations remain in force, governed by general tenancy law rules in the BGB^[1].

Insurance: Liability and household insurance

Private liability insurance often covers costs if you negligently lose or damage someone else's property; it can apply to lost third-party keys. Household insurance generally does not cover lost house keys but may be relevant for stolen personal keys. Check your policies and report the claim promptly to your insurer.

Report: landlord, police, insurer

Practical order after loss:

• Inform the landlord as soon as possible in writing and ask for written confirmation (email or letter).
• If theft is suspected, file a police report and keep the confirmation.
• Contact your liability insurance, submit a claim and include cost estimates.

Estimates and invoices

Where possible, have lock changes or key replacements documented by professionals and obtain cost estimates. Keep all receipts: invoice, replacement key receipts, police report and written communication with landlord and insurer. Documentation improves your chance of reimbursement.

Rights and obligations: court procedures

If disputes about cost coverage cannot be resolved out of court, local courts (Amtsgerichte) decide tenancy disputes in the first instance. Procedural rules are in the German Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. Major legal questions can reach the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).

Practical examples

• Example 1: Key lost, no sign of theft – tenant pays for replacement and lock change.
• Example 2: Key stolen, police report available – liability insurer may cover costs.
• Example 3: Key lost with name tag and address – increased risk of landlord claiming damages.

FAQ

Who pays the costs if I lose my key?

Usually the tenant, unless exceptional circumstances apply (e.g., theft with police report or landlord fault).

Does liability insurance cover lost keys?

Private liability insurance often covers costs when third-party keys are affected; check your policy and report promptly.

Do I have to change the lock?

The landlord may require a lock change for security reasons; cost responsibility depends on fault and the circumstances of the loss.

How-To

1. Inform the landlord immediately in writing and request a short confirmation.
2. File a police report if theft is suspected and keep the report.
3. Contact your liability insurer, submit cost estimates and receipts.
4. Have keys or the lock replaced by a professional and keep invoices.

Key takeaways

• Tenants usually bear costs for lost keys unless theft with report is proven.
• Keep thorough documentation to support insurance claims.
• Contact landlord, police and insurer without delay.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535: Miete
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Police: information on filing a report

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Polizei: Informationen zur Anzeigeerstattung
4. [4] Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (BMJ)