Power Outage in Old Buildings: Tenant Guide Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to be prepared: power outages in old buildings occur unexpectedly and affect heating, elevators, lighting and electrical safety. This guide clearly explains which immediate measures to take, how to protect your rights vis-à-vis the landlord and which official authorities and forms are relevant. Read simple steps to secure health and property, how to document damage and meet deadlines. We name competent courts, useful behavioral rules and concrete examples of letters to landlords and authorities so you can act quickly and safely in an emergency.

What to do immediately after the power outage?

Act calmly; first check whether only your apartment is affected or the entire building. Turn off sensitive electrical devices, secure open flames and check whether someone needs help. Inform the landlord and, if necessary, the caretaker.

• Check whether neighbors are also affected and whether the house connection has been switched off.
• If there is danger (e.g. elevator stuck, people at risk) call the emergency number immediately.
• Turn off sensitive devices to avoid overvoltage when power is restored.

Safety in the apartment and fire protection

Beware of open flames: use candles only in safe holders and never leave them unattended. Use flashlights instead of candles in hallways or stairwells to minimize fire and fall risks.

Documentation and communication

Document disturbances, damage and outage times: date, time, photos and a short description help later when communicating with the landlord or in court. Send a formal notification to the landlord by email or registered letter and keep receipts.

Sample text to the landlord

"Dear Ms/Mr X, on DD.MM.YYYY a power outage occurred in my apartment from about HH:MM. As a result, heating/light/elevator failed. Please inform me which measures are being taken in the building and provide a written response by DD.MM.YYYY."

Rights and obligations: brief overview

As a tenant you are entitled to contractual use of the apartment; prolonged or recurring outages may justify a rent reduction. In disputes, the Amtsgericht is competent; procedural rules of the ZPO apply. For tenancy law foundations see §§ 535–580a BGB^[1] and for procedural questions the ZPO^[3].

Practical checklist for tenants

• Keep an emergency flashlight and a fully charged phone ready.
• Secure medications and medically necessary devices.
• Food: check refrigeration and remove perishable goods in prolonged outages.
• Take photos of damage and faulty fixtures and save them.

If damage occurs: steps to enforce claims

Inform the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remediation. If there is no response, continue documentation and consider legal steps. In health-endangering situations (e.g. heating failure in winter) you may consider remedial action or a rent reduction.

Forms and contact points

Many specific forms (e.g. complaint forms for eviction proceedings or objections) are available from your local Amtsgericht or municipal administration; general legal bases are available on official law websites. Emergency and preparedness information specifically on power outages and supply security is provided by the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK)^[2].

FAQ

When can I reduce rent due to a power outage?

A rent reduction is possible if the usability of the apartment is significantly restricted; the amount depends on duration and severity of the outage.

Who is responsible in disputes?

In tenancy disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent in the first instance; appeals go to the regional court and the BGH decides on fundamental questions.^[4]

Who do I inform first in a widespread outage?

Inform your landlord and property management; in case of danger to people call the emergency number immediately.

How-To

1. Check hazards: are people affected or devices at risk?
2. Document: note time, duration, take photos, list affected devices and witnesses.
3. Inform landlord: send written notice with a deadline.
4. If necessary: contact the local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support

• BBK – Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance
• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO etc.)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) – §§ 535–580a
2. [2] BBK – Information on power outages and preparedness
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH)