Tenants in Germany: Keep Escape Routes Clear & Document

As a tenant in a high-rise in Germany, you should ensure escape routes remain clear at all times and that any obstructions are documented. Well-documented photos, written reports to the property management and a continuous log help when safety or legal disputes arise. This text explains practically how to identify violations, what landlord obligations under the BGB^[1] apply, which deadlines to observe and how to correctly substantiate reports. The guide also shows which official forms and courts are relevant, how to store evidence securely and when courts may need to be involved. The aim is to empower tenants, reduce risks and enable quick, factual action in an emergency.

Why escape routes matter

Escape routes are central to the safety of all residents. Blocked stairwells, parked bicycles or boxes in front of emergency exits increase the risk of fire and complicate evacuations. As a tenant, you have an interest in keeping routes clear and acting immediately in case of danger.

Rights and obligations under the law

Landlords are obliged to maintain the rental property in a contract-compliant condition. Violations affecting escape routes may constitute a defect and trigger obligations under the BGB.^[1] When disputes arise about measures or the removal of obstructions, procedural rules govern court actions; the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) is relevant here.^[2]

How to properly document escape route violations

Good documentation is systematic: date and time, clear photos from different angles, witness statements and written reports to the landlord or owner. Record who was informed and how the landlord responded.

• Take photos with date and time and capture multiple perspectives.
• Keep a continuous log: date, time, location, description of the obstruction.
• Send a written defect notice by email and, if possible, by registered mail to the property manager.
• Note witness names and collect brief dated witness statements.
• In case of acute danger, contact the fire department or public order office immediately and document the incident.

Forms and practical templates

There is no single official form for every case, but useful templates and guidance can be found via authorities. Helpful items include:

• Defect notice (written): name, address, precise description of the obstruction, date and a deadline for removal.
• Termination or formal letter templates (e.g., samples from the Federal Ministry of Justice as orientation).
• Evidence overview: list with photo IDs, timestamps and witness details.

How-To

The following steps help tenants systematically address blocked escape routes. Court steps require observing deadlines and formal requirements.

1. Observe and photograph: take clear photos, record dates and make short notes.
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord, set a deadline and document receipt.
3. Wait the deadline and log all further contacts and responses from the landlord.
4. If there is no solution, consider court action or involving the local court with the collected evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce the rent if escape routes are blocked?

Rent reduction is possible if the usability of the dwelling is significantly impaired by the obstruction; document the defect and your deadline for remedy in writing.

When is the local court responsible?

For many tenancy disputes, including eviction suits or claims for removal, the local court is competent; procedural rules are set out in the ZPO.^[2]

What to do about repeated blockages by neighbors?

Document each incident, inform the landlord in writing and discuss permanent solutions with the property management if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesministerium der Justiz (BMJ) — bmj.de

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz — bmj.de