Mold Removal: Tenant Duties in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, mold can quickly become a source of conflict. This article explains clearly which duties you have as a tenant, what landlords must do, and how to report damage safely and legally. You will receive practical advice on deadlines, documentation, official forms and when a rent reduction is possible. Our steps help avoid conflict and show how to reach judicial authorities if necessary. The language is simple and examples are everyday-focused so you can assert your rights without unnecessary escalation. At the end you will find a short How‑To and official contacts for further help.

What are tenant and landlord duties?

In principle, the provisions of the BGB regulate the duties of landlord and tenant: the landlord must keep the apartment in an agreed condition, the tenant must avoid damage through improper behavior. Details can be found in the relevant provisions of the BGB, especially on maintenance and defect remediation^[1].

When should you report mold?

Report visible mold to the landlord immediately in writing and demand a deadline for remediation. Describe the defect precisely, attach photos and document date and room.

• Inform the landlord promptly and specify a clear deadline for remedial action.
• Take photos and keep a damage log with date and location.
• Set an appropriate deadline (e.g. 14 days) and state a concrete time for correction.
• If necessary, obtain cost estimates and offer the landlord dates for discussion.

Forms and template letters

For written defect notifications, templates or sample letters can be helpful. In the notification, state damage, location, date and a deadline. For notices of termination or formal letters, official templates from the Federal Ministry of Justice can be useful; use official templates and guidance where available^[3].

If the landlord does not respond

If the landlord does not respond, document your contact attempts and consider further steps such as rent reduction or legal action.

• Set another deadline and announce possible legal action.
• Consider rent reduction if the apartment's usability is affected; document the reduction appropriately.
• For legal action or eviction suits, the local Amtsgericht is usually responsible; inform yourself about jurisdiction and procedure^[2].

FAQ

Who is responsible for mold removal?

Generally the landlord must take care of structural defects and their remediation; the tenant must avoid damage caused by improper use and report defects in time.

When can I reduce the rent?

If the usability of the apartment is significantly impaired, a rent reduction may be justified; the amount depends on the extent of the defect and case law.

What deadlines apply when reporting mold?

Report defects immediately in writing and set a reasonable remedy deadline (often 14 days); further steps are possible thereafter.

How‑To

1. Step 1: Photograph visible mold immediately and document the finding in writing.
2. Step 2: Inform the landlord promptly by e‑mail or registered mail and state a deadline for remediation.
3. Step 3: Collect and secure all messages, photos and cost estimates.
4. Step 4: Consult a specialist company for assessment and document the cost estimate.
5. Step 5: If the landlord does not respond, consider filing a claim at the competent local court.
6. Step 6: After remediation document completion and take final photos.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – Civil Code (BGB)
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)
• Federal Court of Justice – Tenancy law decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Amtsgericht — Informationen zu Zuständigkeiten
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz — Forms and guidance