Mold Removal for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany it is important to act quickly when mold appears: you must report the defect to the landlord, document damage and meet deadlines. This guide explains clearly which duties landlords and tenants have under the BGB^[1], how to document mold damage in a legally secure way and which authorities or courts you can contact in case of a dispute^[2]. You will receive practical steps for preserving evidence with photos, dated entries and written defect notices, guidance on deadlines for repairs and on rent reduction as well as sample details for official forms. The aim is for you to assert your rights as a tenant in Germany confidently and resolve conflicts with proof.

What tenants should do now

• Inform the landlord in writing and send a defect notice (name, date, location of the mold).
• Document damage with dates and photos; note smell, affected rooms and visibility.
• Set a deadline (e.g. 14 days) and demand specific remediation; state deadlines clearly in correspondence.
• In case of acute health risk: hire a specialist, take immediate measures and collect receipts.
• Check the possibility of rent reduction and document the amount; consult a lawyer or tenants' association if necessary.
• If the landlord does not respond: consider pursuing the matter in the local court or seeking mediation.

Specific forms: A formal "defect notice" is usually informal but is recommended in writing; for terminations or legal steps there are templates available from the Federal Ministry of Justice. In the letter include the date, precise description and a deadline and attach photos. A practical example: "On 03/05/2025 mold discovered in the bedroom, please remedy by 17/05/2025; otherwise rent reduction from 18/05/2025." These details help prepare evidence and can be used in court if necessary.^[3]

FAQ

Who is responsible for mold removal?

Generally the landlord, if the mold is due to structural defects or lack of maintenance; the tenant can be partially liable for improper ventilation or heating.

Can I reduce the rent?

Yes, for significant impairment of living quality a rent reduction is possible; the amount depends on the extent and should be documented.

What if the landlord does not react?

You can set deadlines and, if necessary, consider filing suit at the competent local court or demand cost coverage for professional work.

How-To

1. Photograph mold immediately and keep a defect diary with dates.
2. Inform the landlord in writing, set a deadline and request remediation.
3. If health risks are present, hire a professional, collect receipts and present them to the landlord.
4. Check rent reduction, document calculations and initiate legal steps if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
• Information on local courts — Justizportal
• Federal Ministry of Justice — Service and Forms

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Information on local courts — Justizportal
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice — Service and Forms