Tenant Rights for Internet Outages in Germany

What to do about Internet outages?

Start systematically: document the date and time of each outage, note downtimes and keep speed test results. Such records help prove the extent of the defect to the landlord and in court. Landlord duties to maintain the rental are governed by the BGB and are central to enforcing claims.^[1]

• Document exact start and end times of each outage
• Save multiple screenshots and speed test results (provider, time, result)
• Keep a log of calls with the internet provider and the landlord
• Record repair orders, appointments and responses in writing

When is a rent reduction possible?

A rent reduction may apply if the usability of the apartment is significantly impaired. The decisive question is whether the internet outage affects usability. Relevant rules are in the BGB; in legal disputes civil procedure rules under the ZPO apply.^[1][2]

Practical steps: deadlines and notification

Notify the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remedy: describe the defect, attach evidence and keep proof of dispatch and emails. If there is no response, you may, after the deadline, consider termination-relevant steps or rent reduction.

• Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline for remedy
• Attach evidence such as speed tests and communication logs
• Observe deadlines: after expiry, send a reminder or consider legal action

Forms and authorities

For court proceedings use standardized civil forms; for eviction or damage claims the complaint is required. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) are first instance for most tenancy disputes; appeals may go to the Landgericht and ultimately the BGH.^[2][3][5]

• Statement of claim (civil complaint) – form for filing a claim at the local court; example: filing an eviction claim if the landlord renders the apartment unusable and seeks remedy
• Payment order / enforcement title – form for asserting monetary claims; example: claiming damages for repeated outages
• Power of attorney for an attorney – form to authorize representation in court; example: appointing an attorney for litigation

FAQ

Can I reduce rent immediately if the internet fails?

Immediate reduction is possible if the defect is significant; however, it is advisable to inform the landlord first and set deadlines to document the legal situation.^[1]

How do I prove recurring outages?

Keep a detailed log with date, time, speed tests, screenshots and correspondence with provider and landlord.

Which court should I contact in case of dispute?

Generally the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for tenancy matters; higher-value disputes may go to the regional court (Landgericht). Higher instances up to the BGH may decide legal questions.^[3][5]

How-To

1. Document every outage with date, time and speed tests as well as screenshots
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline
3. Request technical remediation from the provider and inform the landlord about responses
4. Consider a rent reduction with concrete evidence and document the calculation
5. If necessary, file a complaint at the local court or obtain legal representation

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB
• Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
• Justiz – Forms
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Justiz – Local courts and court organization
4. [4] Justiz – Forms
5. [5] Federal Court of Justice – Decisions