Mold Removal 2025: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to know which obligations apply in case of mold and what rights you have in 2025. This guide explains clearly when landlords are responsible for removal and prevention, which deadlines you must observe and how to assert rent reductions related to repairs. I describe practical steps: documentation, written defect notice, setting deadlines and possible forms for official procedures. I also list relevant sections of the BGB and the competent courts so you understand how a legal dispute can proceed. The text is aimed at tenants without legal background and gives concrete options to protect health and the quality of living.

Who is responsible?

The landlord is obliged to keep the apartment in a condition suitable for the contractual use. In case of mold infestation, he is generally obliged to remove it and to remedy the cause ^[1]. Whether you as a tenant are partly responsible depends on the cause (e.g. incorrect ventilation or heating behavior).

Steps in case of mold infestation

• Documentation: take photos, note dates, affected rooms and health complaints.
• Send a written defect notice to the landlord with a clear deadline.
• Let the deadline pass; if there is no response, consider rent reduction or self-remedy.
• If inactivity continues, seek advice or prepare a lawsuit at the local court.

Official forms and examples

Important forms and templates: an informally written defect notice (no uniform nationwide template), the lawsuit form for civil proceedings in tenancy disputes, and possibly health office reporting forms in case of danger. As a practical example: send the landlord a defect notice with photos and a 14-day deadline; if no measure is taken, prepare the filing of the lawsuit and collect evidence for the local court ^[3].^[2]

FAQ

Who pays for mold removal?

Basically the landlord, if the mold was not caused by the tenant; details follow from §§ 535 ff. BGB ^[1].

Can I reduce the rent?

Yes, a rent reduction is possible if the quality of living is impaired. Amount and start depend on the individual case; document the extent and duration of the defect.

What to do in case of acute health risk?

Report the situation immediately to the health office and inform the landlord in writing; if necessary, consider remedial actions and legal steps.

How-To

1. Document mold immediately with photos and note the date.
2. Send a written defect notice with a deadline to the landlord.
3. If necessary, inform the health office and secure medical findings.
4. If repairs are not carried out, check and possibly announce a rent reduction.
5. Collect evidence and, if necessary, file a lawsuit at the local court.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions
• Justizportal: Forms and Courts

1. [1] BGB §535 – Duties of the landlord (Gesetze im Internet)
2. [2] Federal Court of Justice – Press and Decisions
3. [3] Justice Portal: Information on Courts and Forms