Move-in Defect List: Tenants' Rights in Germany

When moving into a new flat, many tenants discover defects. A well-kept defect list helps secure claims, demand repairs or enforce rent reductions, even outside normal office hours in Germany. This guide explains in plain language how to identify defects, document them and notify the landlord; which deadlines apply; and what steps you can take at the weekend if a quick response is necessary. I also explain which official laws and courts are responsible, which forms may be relevant and how to collect evidence that holds up legally. At the end you will find an FAQ, a step-by-step weekend guide and official sources from German authorities and courts.

Was ist eine Mängelliste?

A defect list (also: "handover protocol") documents visible damage and missing items at move-in. The goal is to clearly describe which defects are present so disputes about condition or cause of damage can later be avoided. Such a list helps with repair demands, rent reduction or deposit issues and is often the basis for discussions with the landlord or in court.^[1]

Mängel dokumentieren und Beweissicherung

Document defects systematically: date, time, precise description, location in the flat and ideally witnesses. Digital evidence such as photos and videos is often decisive.

• Take photos and videos (evidence): Photograph each defect from multiple angles with a date stamp.
• Write a defect report (notice): Send a formal defect notice by email and by registered mail or handover with a receipt.
• Note deadlines (deadline): Record when you reported the defect and which deadline for remedy was set.
• Name repair requests clearly (repair): Describe which measures you expect and whether an emergency repair is necessary.
• Document contacts (call): Note names, phone numbers and appointment times with the landlord or caretaker.

Fristen, Wochenende und schnelle Schritte

There is no special legal exception for weekends: rights and obligations generally apply regardless of the day of the week. Practically, this means: if an emergency occurs at the weekend, such as a heating failure or burst pipe, report the damage immediately and document it. For urgent dangers (for example a health risk or substantial impairment of use), you can also demand remedial action at short notice or commission a tradesperson and claim reimbursement. Check in advance whether your rental agreement contains provisions for emergencies and record all costs.

Wenn der Vermieter nicht reagiert

If the landlord does not respond, the following steps may help: set a deadline threatening rent reduction or remedial action, hire an emergency service (in case of danger) and finally take legal action at the district court. Note that rent reductions and remedial action are legally complex; documented deadlines and evidence are important here.^[2]

• Set a deadline (notice): Request remediation in writing within a reasonable period.
• Note costs (rent): If you arrange a repair, collect invoices and receipts.
• Consider court action (court): If inaction continues, the district court is responsible.

Häufige Beweisfehler und wie Sie sie vermeiden

Avoid vague descriptions, missing dates and incomplete photo coverage. If possible, use witnesses at the handover appointment and save digital messages in unaltered form. Also note whether the landlord was already aware.

Häufige Fragen

Kann ich die Miete kürzen, wenn der Vermieter am Wochenende nicht reagiert?

Grundsätzlich ja, wenn die Gebrauchstauglichkeit deutlich eingeschränkt ist und der Vermieter trotz Fristsetzung nicht reagiert. Die Höhe richtet sich nach dem Ausmaß des Mangels; rechtliche Beratung ist empfehlenswert.^[1]

Wer zahlt für eine Notfallreparatur, wenn der Vermieter nicht erreichbar ist?

In akuten Fällen können Sie eine Reparatur veranlassen und Ersatz verlangen, wenn der Vermieter vorher nicht erreichbar war und die Reparatur notwendig war. Bewahren Sie alle Belege auf.^[2]

An welches Gericht wende ich mich bei Mietstreitigkeiten?

Für die erste Instanz ist in der Regel das zuständige Amtsgericht (Mietgerichtsbarkeit) zuständig; in höheren Instanzen Landgerichte und gegebenenfalls der Bundesgerichtshof für grundsätzliche Fragen.^[3]

Anleitung

1. Collect evidence (evidence): Photograph, film and note witnesses.
2. Report in writing (notice): Draft a clear defect notice and send it by email and registered mail.
3. Set a deadline (deadline): Give a reasonable deadline to remedy the defect.
4. Act if necessary (rent): For danger or non-response, arrange an emergency measure and collect invoices for reimbursement claims.
5. Court action (court): If all steps fail, prepare documents for a lawsuit and contact the district court.

Hilfe und Unterstützung / Ressourcen

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB: §§535–580a)
• Bundesgerichtshof - Entscheidungen im Mietrecht
• Justizportal - Formulare und Verfahrensinformationen

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB §535
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Entscheidungen
4. [4] Justizportal des Bundes und der Länder — Formulare