Tenants in Germany: Documents & Deadlines for Power Outages

A power outage can quickly cause problems for tenants in Germany regarding safety, heating and cooking options as well as proving damages. This guide explains clearly which documents tenants should collect first, which deadlines to observe and how to document and report the outage in a legally secure way. We provide concrete action steps, sample wording for defect notices to the landlord, and explain when court action may be appropriate. Practical checklists help you collect evidence systematically so you can protect your rights and organize quick assistance.

Which documents to collect?

First collect evidence that shows the time, duration and effects of the outage. Note date and time, keep photos and videos, and keep receipts for replacement purchases.

• Photos and videos of the damage and affected areas (e.g., freezer, fuse box).
• Date and time notes, ideally with witness names.
• Receipts for perishable food or technical replacement purchases.
• Written defect notice to the landlord (letter or e-mail) including a deadline.
• Contact log with utility company and landlord (date, time, contact person).

Deadlines and action steps

Acting quickly protects rights: inform the landlord immediately and set a reasonable deadline for remedy. In many cases a 14‑day period is appropriate; for acute safety risks immediate action is necessary. For rent reduction or remedial measures, set deadlines in writing and secure evidence.

• Inform the landlord immediately and give written notice, preferably by e-mail and registered mail.
• Set a remedy deadline (e.g., "Please remedy by DD.MM.YYYY").
• Collect receipts and document expenses for replacements.
• If there is no response: consider legal steps; the local court (Amtsgericht) is often the first instance.^[3]

How to document a power outage correctly

Use a combined documentation method: digital photos with timestamps, a short video, and a handwritten event log. Add contact details of neighbors or the building manager as witnesses. Save messages from the utility provider as screenshots or PDFs.

• Photos/videos with visible dates and, if possible, location clues (e.g., a clock in the image or smartphone timestamp).
• Written event log: start, end, disruptions, damages.
• Call and contact log with utility provider and landlord.

Legal basics summarized

Rules on defects and rent reduction are in the BGB (§§ 535–580a).^[1] If the landlord does not react, civil proceedings under the ZPO may be necessary.^[2] Courts responsible for tenancy disputes are usually local courts (Amtsgerichte); higher courts include the regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) for precedents.^[3]

Practical sample: Defect notice to the landlord

Short and factual sample text:

• "Dear Mr/Ms X, on DD.MM.YYYY from HH:MM a power outage occurred in the apartment. This caused the following damages: ... I set a deadline for remedy until DD.MM.YYYY and request written confirmation."

FAQ

What can I do immediately when the power goes out?

Check fuses, inform the power provider and document the start and effects of the outage with photos and a log.

Can I reduce my rent if the power fails?

In certain circumstances yes: if the use of the apartment is significantly restricted, you can consider a rent reduction and formally notify the landlord.

Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?

First contact the local court (Amtsgericht) for tenancy claims; beforehand collect all evidence and set a final deadline.

How-To

1. Contact the power provider and document the outage report (date, time, contact person).
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline.
3. Collect photos, videos and receipts; note witnesses.
4. Document expenses and damages and keep receipts.
5. If necessary: consider legal steps and filing a claim at the local court.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) and other laws
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - decisions on tenancy law
• Federal Ministry of Justice (information on courts and procedures)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535ff., Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO), Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - information and decisions