Parquet & Laminate: Tenant Checklist Germany
As a tenant in Germany, it is important to document parquet or laminate damage clearly before disagreements with the landlord arise. This guide explains in plain language how to combine photos, timestamps and written notices effectively, which rights and duties arise from the BGB, and which authorities to contact. You will receive concrete steps for evidence preservation, tips for handling deadlines and practical examples for template letters to the landlord. This protects your interests in disputes over repair costs or rent reduction and explains how a possible legal route through the local court proceeds.
How to document parquet and laminate damage
Good documentation starts on the day you discover the damage. Photograph the damage from several angles, take close-ups and room overview photos, and include a scale (e.g. a ruler) in the image. Save photos in original resolution and keep file timestamps; additionally note date, time and circumstances in writing.
- Photograph affected areas from multiple perspectives and include a scale.
- Back up the original files with timestamps and create backups.
- Record accompanying circumstances in writing (cause, first discovery, weather, affected furniture).
- Notify the landlord in writing and request a written acknowledgment of receipt.
Rights, duties and relevant laws
The landlord is obliged to maintain the rental property in contractually agreed condition; key regulations are found in the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a.[1] As a tenant you must report defects and give the landlord the opportunity to repair them. If a dispute arises, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; higher instances are the regional court (Landgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice for precedent.[2]
When rent reduction or cost assumption is possible
Whether rent reduction, repair by the landlord or cost assumption by the tenant applies depends on cause, extent of the damage and whether the tenant is at fault. Report defects immediately and, if necessary, set a reasonable deadline for remediation.
- For repairs: set a deadline and demand remediation.
- For uncaused damage, the landlord may be obliged to bear the costs.
- In disputes: present correspondence and photos as evidence.
Practice: forms and template letters
For correspondence with the landlord, a simple written letter with photo attachments and acknowledgment of receipt is often sufficient. For legal action, use the procedural rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) and file complaints with the competent local court.[3]
- Termination letter / sample termination: exemplary form for formal contract termination; use registered mail if unsure.
- Civil complaint filing: in case of unresolved disputes, file the complaint or statement at the local court.
What to know about the court hearing
If a complaint proceeds to court, you will receive a summons for a hearing at the local court. Bring complete documents: photos, correspondence, cost estimates and witness information. A calm, factual presentation facilitates the process.
FAQ
- How quickly must I report damage?
- Damage should be reported immediately, ideally in writing with photos; give the landlord a reasonable deadline for repair.
- Can I repair myself and reclaim costs?
- Self-repairs are only advisable in urgent cases; obtain the landlord's permission beforehand or document the necessity immediately.
- Where do I turn in case of disputes?
- The competent local court is the first instance for legal disputes; serious legal questions can go up to the regional court and Federal Court of Justice.
How-To
- Document the damage photographically in high resolution and note the date.
- Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline for repair.
- If there is no response, collect evidence and consider legal steps.
Help and Support / Resources
- Local court: information on responsibility and procedures
- German Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Court of Justice: relevant rental law decisions
