Rent Reduction for Construction in Germany 2025

What Tenants Need to Know

As a tenant in Germany, landlords have basic duties; construction work can justify a rent reduction if the habitability is significantly affected. The legal basis for landlord duties and defects is in the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–536.^[1] Before reducing rent, tenants should document defects, inform the landlord and set deadlines; in emergency proceedings, local courts provide timely provisional relief.^[2]

What to Document

• Photos and videos of the impairment (photo).
• Record dates and times of the disturbances (date/time).
• Save all letters, messages and responses from the landlord (notice).
• Keep rent payments and receipts (rent/payment).

How to Proceed Formally

Send a defect notice to the landlord, set a reasonable deadline for remedy and document every response. If the defect persists, tenants may reduce the rent; the legal basis is found in §§ 535–536 BGB.^[1] In urgent cases an emergency procedure at the local court may be required to obtain quick relief.^[2] Official sample forms are available for payment orders or lawsuits.^[3]

FAQ

When can I reduce rent because of construction work?

If the usability of the apartment is significantly restricted and the landlord does not remedy the situation in time, there is a right to reduce rent. Documentation and notifying the landlord are prerequisites.

How fast is an emergency proceeding?

Emergency proceedings at the local court can be decided within days to weeks, depending on urgency and evidence.

Do I need a lawyer for a rent reduction?

Not necessarily, but legal advice is advisable for complex cases or emergency proceedings; many courts also hear cases without a lawyer.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: take photos, videos and detailed descriptions (photo).
2. Notify the landlord in writing and set a deadline (notice).
3. Document deadlines and prove the deadline setting (deadline/time).
4. If the defect continues, announce the rent reduction in writing and calculate the amount (rent/payment).
5. If necessary, start an emergency procedure at the local court and attach official forms (court).^[3]

Help and Support

• BGB §§535–536 on gesetze-im-internet.de
• ZPO on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Sample civil procedure forms on justiz.de

1. [1] BGB §§535–536 - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Sample civil procedure forms - justiz.de