Natural Hazard Damage for Tenants in Germany 2025

Many tenants in Germany face the question of which insurance is sensible for natural hazard damage. This guide explains clearly and practically when a household contents or supplemental insurance applies, which damages are typical (flooding, heavy rain, landslide, storm) and how to promptly secure evidence, report damage and assert claims against the landlord or insurer. We explain your rights under tenancy law, name relevant sections of the BGB^[1] and explain when a rent reduction is possible. We also guide you step by step through reporting, deadlines and formal letters to the landlord or court. At the end you will find a short FAQ, a practical how-to and official links plus the most important forms for download.

Which damages count as natural hazards?

Natural hazard damages include natural events that affect living space and household contents: floods, heavy rain with water ingress, backflow, landslides, earthquakes and severe storms. For tenants it is crucial whether the damage affects household contents, apartment furnishings or building damage, because that influences responsibility between contents, liability and building insurance.

Which insurances are relevant?

As a tenant, primarily two types of insurance are important: household contents insurance (with natural hazard add-on) and private liability insurance. Building insurance is the landlord's responsibility, but it tells you which damages the landlord must settle.

• Household contents insurance with natural hazard protection covers furniture, electrical appliances and personal items.
• Private liability is important if you are demonstrably responsible for damage to third parties (e.g., water damage due to your fault).
• Building insurance usually covers natural hazard damage to the building; this is the landlord's matter.

Practical steps after damage

If natural hazard damage occurs, act promptly: secure life and health, document damage with photos and videos, inform the landlord and your insurer in writing and request written confirmation of the report. Observe deadlines and keep receipts for expenses.

• Secure evidence: photos, videos, date, time and witness names.
• Report the damage in writing to your household contents insurer and to the landlord.
• Keep receipts for emergency purchases and repairs.

Forms and templates

For formal steps use template letters and damage report forms. A typical template is a written damage report to the household contents insurer and a termination or reminder letter to the landlord if repairs are not carried out. If court proceedings are necessary, the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure^[2] apply to actions such as eviction or claims for damages.

• Damage report template: date, damage description, photos, estimated value of lost items.
• Rent reduction notice template: describe defect, extent and date of occurrence.
• Applications for housing entitlement (WBS) may be important depending on the federal state if a replacement flat is needed.

What to do in a dispute with the landlord?

For disputes about responsibility or defect remediation, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for tenancy disputes; in higher instances the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice decides^[3]. In court you should present all documents in order: lease, correspondence, photos, expert reports and invoices.

• Collect all relevant documents ordered by date.
• Consider an independent expert opinion if the cause of damage is disputed.
• Inform yourself about legal deadlines and formal requirements.

FAQ

Who pays for natural hazard damage in the apartment?

The landlord's building insurance usually covers building damage; the tenant's household contents insurance compensates furniture and personal items if the corresponding natural hazard coverage exists.

Can I reduce the rent if my apartment is damaged?

Yes, rent reduction is possible if usability is significantly impaired. Amount and start depend on the type and extent of the defect and its duration.

Which deadlines must I observe?

Defects should be reported without delay. Court actions are subject to the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure; respond promptly to deadlines and service.

How-To

1. Rescue and safety: secure people and report hazards.
2. Documentation: photograph and note damages, dates and witnesses.
3. Written report: inform insurer and landlord in writing with evidence.
4. Preliminary measures: arrange necessary emergency repairs and keep invoices.
5. Legal path: in disputes, seek advice and, if necessary, sue at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB, ZPO and other legal sources
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH): decisions and leading judgments

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) Entscheidungen - bundesgerichtshof.de