Tenant Rights for Internet Outages in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the problem that the internet fails and important deadlines in urgent proceedings are missed. This text clearly explains which rights tenants have, how to document defects, which forms and courts are responsible, and how to avoid typical mistakes. The language is deliberately simple so that as a tenant you quickly know when a rent reduction is possible, when interim legal protection is useful, and how to securely collect evidence. Examples show in a practical way how a family can react quickly without losing important deadlines. At the end you will find checklists and notes on official forms.

What to do in case of an internet outage?

As a tenant you have claims under the German Civil Code (BGB) if the rented property is defective or contractually agreed services (such as internet access) are not provided. Inform the landlord in writing and demand remedy, document the fault thoroughly and set deadlines for repair.^[1]

It is important to distinguish: short-term outages may justify a rent reduction, repeated or prolonged outages may justify stronger measures up to interim relief in court.

Typical mistakes in urgent proceedings and how to avoid them

• Missing evidence (evidence): Immediately collect screenshots, log files, and dated messages.
• Missing deadlines (deadline): Set clear repair deadlines and react within those periods.
• Wrong or unused forms (form): Use written defect notices and, if necessary, templates for court applications.
• No direct contact (contact): Inform the landlord and provider in writing in parallel and document responses.
• Acting on your own (move-out): Do not vacate or terminate prematurely; check legal remedies first.

If you plan urgent proceedings (e.g., interim relief), check the jurisdiction of the local court and the applicable rules in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO). A clear, chronological file increases your chances in court.^[2]

Forms and official steps

Important forms or formal steps tenants should know:

• Interim relief / application for an injunction: Used when a quick court decision is necessary, e.g., to restore internet access quickly; example: a family reports outage for 5 days and files an application at the competent local court.
• Claim for remedy or payment / complaint at the local court: If the landlord does not react, the tenant files a complaint listing the legal basis and evidence.
• Defect notice to the landlord (written): No official court form needed, but the notice should include date, fault description, repair deadline and request for written confirmation.

Forms for court procedures are provided by the competent court; the ZPO regulates form and deadlines.^[2]

Evidence: step by step

1. Collect screenshots, log files and timestamps (evidence).
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord with a deadline (form).
3. If necessary, apply for interim relief at the local court (court).
4. Calculate possible rent reduction or damages and document amounts (rent).

Examples: A family records outage times, contacts the landlord by email, sets a 7-day deadline and applies for interim relief at court if there is no reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce the rent if the internet fails?

Yes, if the outage significantly impairs the use of the rented property, a rent reduction may be considered; check § 536 BGB and document the extent of the defect.^[1]

Do I have to set a deadline for the landlord first?

Yes. As a rule, you should inform the landlord in writing to remedy the defect and set a reasonable deadline before taking further steps.

When is an urgent procedure useful?

An urgent procedure makes sense when immediate legal protection is necessary, for example in cases of existential restrictions for a family or impending damage; the ZPO regulates jurisdiction and procedure.^[2]

How-To

1. Collect evidence: screenshots, log files and emails with timestamps (evidence).
2. Inform the landlord: write a formal defect notice and set a deadline (form).
3. Check interim relief options at the competent local court (court).
4. Claim amounts: calculate rent reduction or damages and request payment (rent).

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet — BGB §§ 535 ff.
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Court information
• Gesetze im Internet — ZPO

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Main page