Tenant Rights in Germany: Mail & Package Rules
Tenants in Germany often face the question of how mail and package delivery can be organized safely and in accordance with the law. This article explains concretely which obligations landlords have, which protections tenants can use, and which forms and deadlines are important. You will receive practical action steps for acute problems such as lost shipments, repeated package thefts, or inadequate delivery options. The guidance remains easy to understand and is aimed at households with seniors, families, and shared flats. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, official forms and the competent courts so you can resolve conflicts with as little friction as possible.
What applies to mail and package delivery?
As a rule, tenancy law in Germany regulates obligations to hand over the rental property in a condition suitable for contractual use; this also includes a practicable possibility for mail and parcel delivery[1]. Landlords do not have to personally guarantee access for couriers but have a duty of care, for example regarding communal mailboxes or secure drop-off points. Tenants should assert their right to undisturbed use if existing delivery paths are repeatedly unreliable.
Typical problems and legal foundations
- Mailbox missing or unlocked — inform the landlord and report the defect in writing.
- Parcel drop-off insecure or moisture damage — take photos and secure evidence.
- Repeated parcel losses — set a deadline for remedy and possibly examine claims for compensation.
Forms and templates (official sources)
For many steps there are standardized templates and guidance at the Federal Ministry of Justice. A sample termination letter or a defect notice can help to set clear deadlines; prefer official templates and send important letters by registered post or by courier with receipt confirmation[2]. If defect remediation does not occur, you can attempt to have the defect remedied yourself and only deduct the costs after legal review.
Immediate measures for acute disruptions
- Collect evidence: secure photos, witness names and delivery receipts.
- Inform the landlord in writing and in a verifiable way about the defect.
- Set a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days) to remedy the problem.
What to do in case of escalation?
If landlords do not react, the next step is to contact the competent local court (Amtsgericht) or, if applicable, a conciliation board. Tenancy law proceedings are based on the provisions of the BGB (Sections 535–580a) and the ZPO for court procedures; in extreme cases a suit at the local court may be necessary, as most tenancy disputes are heard there[3]. Before filing a lawsuit tenants should consider legal advice, especially for claims for restitution or compensation.
FAQ
- Who pays for a parcel lost in the stairwell?
- Generally the sender or the carrier is responsible; the tenant should document the incident and inform the landlord if a contractual obligation for a secure drop-off exists.
- Can the landlord refuse to accept parcels?
- Landlords are not automatically obliged to accept parcels; however, if there is a contractual ancillary obligation to provide secure delivery options, tenants may have a right to improvement.
- What deadline is reasonable to fix defects?
- A deadline of two weeks is reasonable in many cases; for acute safety risks a shorter deadline may be required.
How-To
- Record the problem: note date, time, photos and witnesses.
- Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline (e.g. 14 days).
- Use an official form or template to state your claim clearly.
- Contact the local court or a conciliation board if there is no response.
- Seek legal advice if you are uncertain, e.g. from a local counseling center or lawyer.
Key Takeaways
- Keep all receipts and photos well organized.
- Set clear written deadlines to resolve problems.
Help and Support / Resources
- Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
- Federal Ministry of Justice: Forms and templates
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions
