Tenants in Germany: Avoid Bike Theft 2025
As a tenant in Germany, you may wonder how to protect your bicycle from theft and what role liability and contents insurance play. In this practical guide I explain in plain language which locks are sensible, how to report theft correctly and which proof steps matter for insurance or court proceedings. You will get clear actions for the police, landlord and insurers, tips on deadlines and forms, and advice on how losses can be economically compensated. The text is aimed at tenants without legal background and cites relevant sections of the BGB and responsible courts and authorities in Germany. At the end you will find a short How-To, frequently asked questions and official links to the BGB, local courts and the BGH as well as sample forms with practical examples for termination or damage reporting.
Why bike theft matters for tenants
Bike theft affects many neighborhoods: tenants should focus on three questions: who replaces the loss, which insurance applies, and what obligations exist toward the landlord and the police. Legal foundations for tenancy contracts are found in the BGB, especially regarding landlord and tenant duties and liability.[1]
Immediate steps after theft
- File a police report and request written confirmation.
- Secure photos and purchase receipts of the bicycle and note the frame number.
- Submit a damage claim to your contents insurance and, if applicable, the perpetrator's liability insurer.
- Inform your landlord if the theft relates to the rental relationship (e.g., bicycle cellar).
Insurance: liability & contents
For tenants, two insurances are relevant: the private liability insurance of the person who unlawfully took the bike, and your contents insurance if the bike was stolen from your flat or a lockable cellar. Check the policy: some contents tariffs only replace bicycles up to a certain amount or only when stored "inside the home." Submit claims with police file, photos and receipts; templates and guidance for sample letters can be found at official bodies.[2]
Rights and duties vis-à-vis the landlord
Landlords must maintain rental premises in conformity with the contract (§ 535 BGB). If theft occurred in shared rooms or due to insufficient security, communication with the landlord may be necessary. For disputes over responsibility or compensation, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) generally handles tenancy disputes.[3]
- Set a deadline: ask the landlord in writing to fix defects (e.g., broken door to bicycle cellar).
- Securе evidence: record damage and defects, ideally with witnesses or photos.
- Legal route: if no agreement is reached, you may file a suit at the local court.
FAQ
- What should I do first if my bike is stolen?
- File a police report immediately, secure receipts and inform your insurer; the police file is often required for reimbursement claims.
- Does contents insurance cover every bicycle?
- It depends on your policy: check coverage limits, exclusions and the storage location. Some policies only cover bicycles inside the home or with certain locks.
- Can I demand compensation from the landlord if the bike cellar was unlocked?
- Only if the landlord breached maintenance duties and this causally contributed to the theft; evidence and possibly court proceedings are required.
How-To
- Complete a police report: visit the nearest station or use an online portal if available.
- Notify your insurer: provide the police reference number, photos, receipts and a short damage description.
- Write to your landlord: describe the situation and request an inspection and improvement of shared security.
- If in dispute: check sample letters and, if necessary, file a suit at the local court.
Help and Support / Resources
- BGB §535 ff. (Tenancy obligations)
- Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)
- Information on local courts (Amtsgerichte)
