Tenant Guide: Prepare for Power Outages in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should be prepared for power outages in older buildings. An outage can affect heating, water pumps or elevators and quickly disrupt daily life. This guide explains clearly how to reduce risks, which tenant rights and obligations apply and which immediate steps you can take. With a practical checklist for emergency supplies, communicating with the landlord, documenting damage and advice on rent reduction or repair claims you receive concrete instructions. The tips are aligned with German legal foundations and help you stay calm and assert your rights as a tenant without prior legal knowledge. Read the checklist, prepare emergency supplies and keep contact details ready so you can act quickly in an emergency.

What to do during a power outage in an older building?

First check whether only your flat or the entire building is affected. Inform neighbors and find out whether the house connection or a fuse has tripped. Turn off sensitive devices so they are not damaged when power returns. If heating fails or water pumps stop, document the situation immediately with photos and timestamps so later claims are better provable^[1]. Contact the landlord in writing immediately and request prompt remediation of the defect.

Practical checklist for tenants

• Flashlight, batteries and thermal blankets on hand (safety)
• Charge mobile phone, keep powerbank and important emergency contacts saved (call)
• Cash and receipts for rent/expenses, keep rent records ready (rent)
• If heating fails, take pictures of the heating system and note the issue (heating)
• Secure photos and timestamps as evidence (evidence)
• Send a written defect notice to the landlord and document receipt (notice)
• Inform neighbors, especially the elderly or vulnerable (help)
• Call the electricity provider and emergency services if danger exists (call)

Rights and obligations during an outage

The landlord is obliged to maintain the rented property in an appropriate condition; in case of supply failures tenants may under certain circumstances reduce rent or insist on repair (§§ 535–536 BGB)^[1]. For legal proceedings the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply; disputes are usually heard at the competent local court^[2]. Observe deadlines, report defects in writing and request confirmation from the landlord to secure later evidence.

How-To

1. Take immediate measures: unplug devices and secure the safety area (safety)
2. Inform the landlord in writing and send a defect notice with date (notice)
3. Document damage: take photos, videos and record date/time (evidence)
4. Set deadlines and if there is no response consider legal steps or seek help at the local court (court)
5. Contact craftsmen or emergency services for temporary solutions and keep receipts (repair)

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if the heating fails?

Yes, in case of significant impairment a rent reduction may be possible; the amount depends on the extent of the defect and case law. Inform the landlord in writing and document the defect.^[1]

Who decides on rental disputes?

Rental disputes are usually heard in the first instance at the local court; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice for precedent decisions.^[2]

May the landlord enter the apartment without notice to fix the problem?

In urgent cases to avert danger entry may be justified; otherwise notice and access rules apply. Inform yourself and document the reason.

Help and Support / Resources

• § 535 BGB - Landlord obligations
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - court proceedings
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - case law

1. [1] § 535 BGB - Pflichten des Vermieters
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gerichtsverfahren
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof - Entscheidungen