Photo Documentation on Weekends for Tenants in Germany
Photos help tenants in Germany to document damage and defects quickly and clearly. Especially on weekends, when tradespeople are unavailable or a handover is imminent, a well-structured photo documentation protects your rights in later disputes with the landlord. In practice this means: take photos immediately from multiple angles, close-ups of damage, measurement data and short notes on the time. Such evidence supports rent reductions, claims for damages or an eviction suit before the local court and is relevant for BGB applications.[1] This guide explains step by step how to take photos in a legally secure way, store them and use them when contacting the landlord. I also explain which metadata matter, how timestamps and backups work and which deadlines you should observe.
Why photo documentation matters
A clearly structured photo documentation reduces disputes over condition and responsibility. Note date, time and place, photograph from several perspectives and add short captions. Make sure to photograph measuring devices or comparison objects (e.g. tape measure, coin) so size and extent are comprehensible.
What to photograph on weekends
- Visible defects: photograph mold, water damage, broken heating clearly (repair)
- Document date and time visibly, e.g. with a note or timestamp on the photo (time)
- Combine overview and close-up photos so context and detail are documented (evidence)
- Save photos with short descriptions: location, suspected cause, who was informed (form)
- Document contact attempts: date, time and contact person (contact)
How to store photos securely
Store original photos unedited separately from edited copies. Create a folder with date and short descriptions and a content list as a text file. Use cloud backups or external drives and note when and where the backup was made. If possible, export file metadata (EXIF) for evidence preservation.
Contacting the landlord and deadlines
Inform the landlord in writing and attach meaningful photos. Describe the defect briefly, state the measures you expect and set a reasonable deadline for repair. Record all contact attempts and keep delivery confirmations and replies. For important legal steps, registered mail can be useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to take photos if the landlord already knows about the defects?
- Yes. Even if the landlord has been informed, photos prove the condition at a specific time and help document the scope and persistence of defects.
- How long must I keep photo evidence?
- Keep photo documentation at least until the case is finally resolved; for tenancy claims consider the regular limitation period. For concrete claims ask legal advice or the local court.[2]
- Are photos alone enough in court?
- Photos are important evidence but are often most effective together with additional documents such as the tenancy agreement, handover protocol and communication with the landlord.
How-To
- Document immediately: take photos as soon as the defect is discovered and note date and time (time)
- Capture multiple perspectives: make overview and detail shots and include comparison objects (evidence)
- Describe and store: add a short description, location and possible cause to each photo and secure original files (form)
- Inform the landlord in writing: attach photos, set a deadline and document all communication (contact)
- If needed check evidence preservation: gather all documents and prepare a claim before the local court.[2] (court)
