Tenants in Germany: Report Gas Smell - Deadlines & Forms

As a tenant in Germany, smelling gas in your apartment can be alarming. This text clearly explains which documents you should have ready, which deadlines apply, and which authorities or courts you can contact. We show step by step how to report the smell safely, secure evidence and assert your rights against the landlord under Sections 535–580a of the German Civil Code (BGB)^[1]. This includes advice on correct behaviour in an acute danger, which official forms may be used and how to document deadlines. The guide is aimed at families and single occupants and avoids legal jargon so you can act quickly and safely. At the end you will find sample texts for reports to landlords and emergency services and notes on possible rent reductions.

What to do if you smell gas?

If you detect a gas smell in your home, every minute counts. First check whether people are at health risk; if the smell is strong, leave the apartment immediately and call the emergency number. Then inform your gas network operator and your landlord in writing. Document smell, time and any conversations in writing or with photos to have evidence later.

• Call emergency number 112 (call) if there is acute danger
• Call the network operator or gas supplier (call) and report the fault
• Send a written defect notice to your landlord (Form/notice) and document receipt
• Secure photos (photo) and evidence (evidence): record date and time

Important documents

Gather all evidence in one place: written defect notice to the landlord, confirmation of the fault report to the network operator, photos or videos of the affected area, and notes on times and witnesses. If possible, send the defect notice by registered mail or by email with read receipt.

• Written defect notice (sample text recommended) with date and time (Form)
• Photos and videos as evidence (photo, evidence)
• Confirmation of the fault report from the network operator or technicians (call)
• Receipts for any costs incurred (payment), e.g. hotel costs if evacuated

Deadlines and legal basis

Relevant deadlines and obligations for tenants and landlords are in the German Civil Code (BGB) Sections 535–580a. If deadlines are set or court action becomes necessary, the local Amtsgericht handles tenancy disputes; procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO). In an emergency: act immediately, document deadlines and landlord responses and send formal letters in a verifiable way.^[2]

Practical templates and forms

There is no nationwide compulsory form for a defect notice about gas smell; typically a simple written letter with date, time, description and request for remedy suffices. For court steps use the usual complaint and submission forms of your local Amtsgericht. Example template: "Written defect notice: Gas smell in apartment" asking for immediate remedy and setting a deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

When must I report the gas smell?

Immediately: call 112 for strong smell. For weaker smells, inform the network operator and the landlord in writing without delay.

Who should I report to first?

First the emergency number in case of acute danger, then the network operator/gas supplier and in parallel the landlord in writing. Keep all confirmations.

Can I reduce the rent because of gas smell?

A rent reduction may be possible if habitability is affected; check the legal situation under Sections 535 et seq. BGB and document defects and deadlines carefully. The local court decides in disputes.

How-To

1. Safety first: leave the apartment and call 112 (call)
2. Inform network operator/gas supplier and note the fault number (call)
3. Send written defect notice to the landlord and prove receipt (Form)
4. Collect evidence: take photos (photo) and record date/time (evidence)
5. If necessary: gather documents and contact the local Amtsgericht for claims (court)

Key Takeaways

• Call 112 immediately if you detect a strong gas smell.
• Document everything: photos, times and confirmations.
• Send a clear written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Network Agency - information on network operators and outages
• Gesetze im Internet - BGB §§ 535–580a
• Justice Portal - information on local courts (Amtsgerichte)

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1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesnetzagentur: Official site for energy and network supervision