Power Outage Checklist for Renters in Germany

As a renter in Germany, you should know how to protect your family and home during a power outage. This checklist explains simple preparedness steps, how to assemble emergency equipment, inform landlords and authorities, secure important documents and check your rights under the BGB. It is specifically aimed at tenants: concise, practical and with concrete actions for the first 72 hours after an outage. Read the guidance, follow the step-by-step instructions below and use the official agency links to quickly check reporting channels and legal basics. This reduces risks to health, safety and your tenancy.

What tenants in Germany can do

• Prepare an emergency kit: flashlights, powerbank, batteries and a first aid kit (safety).
• Store supplies for at least 72 hours: water, non-perishable food and medicines (hours).
• Note emergency contacts: landlord, property management, municipal utilities and local hotlines (contact).
• Check heating and frost protection: especially for older systems and in winter (heating).
• Back up important documents digitally and on paper; photograph device types and meters (document).
• Review your lease and deadlines in the BGB, e.g. on defects and rent reduction (notice). ^[1]
• Plan meeting points outside the building and check if neighbors need help (move-out).

Quick: What to do immediately

1. Stay calm and check whether the outage is limited to your flat or the whole building.
2. Report the outage to the network operator or municipal utility; note fault number and time (contact). ^[3]
3. Unplug sensitive equipment and use powerbanks for phones.
4. Use refrigerated medicines within recommended time or contact emergency services.
5. Document special damages or failures with photos and dates as evidence.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if heating or other facilities fail due to a power outage?

In principle, if usability is impaired, tenants can under certain conditions reduce rent; check rules in §§ 535–580a BGB and document the defect carefully.^[1]

Who is responsible for reporting a large-scale power outage?

Report outages to the local network operator or municipal utilities; infrastructure questions are often handled by the Federal Network Agency which provides information on reporting obligations.^[3]

Which official checklists exist for households in Germany?

The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) offers verified preparedness recommendations and checklists for private households.^[2]

How-To

1. Assemble emergency kit: flashlight, spare batteries, powerbank, battery radio and medicines.
2. Create contact list: landlord, property manager, network operator, emergency numbers and relatives.
3. Documentation: photograph damages, temperature problems and communication times; keep logs.
4. Act on tenancy law: inform the landlord in writing, observe deadlines and consider rent reduction if necessary.
5. If damage occurs: inform insurer and secure evidence.

Important notes on forms

Official statutes and court information assist action: for tenancy matters the provisions in the Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a are central; procedural steps are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[1] Template forms for lawsuits or specific notices can be found on justice and court pages of the federal states or at the Federal Court of Justice for precedent-related documents.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK)
• Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Network Agency – Outage Reports and Info

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK)
3. [3] Federal Network Agency