Tenant Myth Check: Bike Theft in Germany 2025

As a tenant in a German city, a bike theft is not only annoying but can also have financial and legal consequences. This guide explains in clear language which rights tenants in Germany have, how to document the theft immediately, file a police report and prepare a claim with your household or liability insurance. I show practical steps for evidence preservation, deadlines for notifications and which documents you should present to the landlord or court. This helps students and other tenants react quickly and correctly, minimize financial losses and increase their chances of compensation. The text refers to relevant legal provisions and official authorities so you can find targeted help and use forms.

What to do immediately

Act promptly: secure photos of the scene, note time and location, check locks and inform possible witnesses. Documented evidence is central for insurance and criminal procedures.

• Take photos of the parking spot and any damaged or missing bicycle fixtures.
• Note time, date and potential witnesses as well as license plates of suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Collect purchase receipts, photos of the bike and serial numbers for the insurance claim.

At the same time, check your lease for specific rules on parking obligations on the property; defects in storage rooms can make landlord liability relevant (BGB §§ 535–580a).^[1]

Police report and deadlines

File a police report promptly; a report is often required for insurance claims and can be important for later court actions. Note the report number and request confirmation.

• File a criminal complaint at the competent police station and obtain a receipt for the report.
• Notify insurers and the landlord "as soon as possible" and observe notification deadlines (check your policy).

Disputed civil claims usually fall under the jurisdiction of the local court; lawsuits are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2]

Insurance claim

Whether household or liability insurance pays depends on the contract scope, evidence and cause. Household insurance usually covers theft of insured property; liability insurance applies when third parties cause damage negligently.

• Submit the claim with the report number, photos, purchase receipts and serial number.
• Record all communications with police, landlord and witnesses as supporting documents.

Relevant forms and templates

Typical forms and templates tenants may need:

• Criminal complaint (report to the police): Use the police station's report form or your state police online portal to report the theft; for example, provide location, time, bike description and serial number.
• Insurance claim form: Complete your insurer's claim form and attach receipts and the police report, e.g., to seek reimbursement for the bike value.
• Lawsuit filing at the local court (complaint under ZPO): If you enforce claims in court, a written complaint is required and the ZPO governs form and deadlines.^[2]

Communication with landlord and neighbors

Inform your landlord promptly if the bike was stolen on rental premises or if storage facilities were defective. Stay factual and attach evidence.

• Send a short written notice to the landlord with date, report number and copies of documents.
• Ask witnesses for written statements or contact details for the police.

FAQ

Is an oral notification to the insurer sufficient?

Insurers typically require a written claim with evidence and the police report; oral notification alone is usually insufficient.

Who is liable if the bike was stolen from a locked bike cellar?

Generally the owner is liable, but landlords may be responsible if locks or access controls were defective; see BGB provisions.^[1]

When should I sue and which court is competent?

If no out-of-court solution is possible, the local court often handles tenancy disputes; proceedings follow the ZPO rules.

How-To

1. Secure evidence: photos, serial number, purchase receipts and witness details.
2. File a police report and note the report number.
3. Report the claim to your household or liability insurer with all documents.
4. Inform the landlord in writing if the theft occurred on the rental property.
5. Keep all receipts, confirmations and copies for possible legal proceedings.
6. Consider filing a claim at the local court if the insurer rejects the claim (observe ZPO).

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB and ZPO
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions on tenancy and property
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) - Information and templates

1. [1] §§ 535–580a BGB — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Official Website