Power Outage Prep: Tenant Checklist Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to be prepared in case of a power outage. This clear guide explains which short-term measures secure your safety, which duties the landlord has and which documents or photos you should collect. You will receive a practical checklist for emergency equipment, contact addresses and guidance on how to proceed in case of damage or failure of heating and elevators. The tips are concise, easy to implement and aimed at tenants without legal knowledge. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide and official links to legal texts and safety authorities in Germany so you can act quickly and protect your rights. Respond promptly to damage and document everything carefully. These pages also show how to record deadlines and contacts clearly.

What tenants should do now

If the power goes out, quick, considered action helps. Check whether only your apartment is affected or the whole building, and inform the relevant parties.

• Inform the landlord (call)
• Photographically document damage (record)
• Report or arrange emergency repairs (repair)
• Observe deadlines and note appointments (calendar)

Landlord rights and obligations

The landlord is obliged under tenancy law to maintain the apartment in an appropriate condition. In the event of heating or power failures, there may be an obligation to remedy the situation; check the legal basis in the relevant provisions.^[1]

Practical checklist for tenants

Prepare simple aids and keep information within reach:

• Keep a flashlight, batteries and a power bank ready (safety)
• Supplies: water, non-perishable food and medication (safety)
• Secure important documents and photos (record)
• Note emergency numbers and keep them accessible (call)
• Report electrical installation damage to the landlord (repair)
• Keep a record of correspondence and reports (form)

If damage occurs

Document the extent and time of the outage, inform the landlord and, if necessary, the energy supplier or the network agency.^[2] If there is a health risk or operational failures, other authorities may be relevant; general preparedness information is available from civil protection.^[3]

How-To

1. Stay calm and eliminate immediate hazards (safety)
2. Inform the landlord and property management (call)
3. Create documentation of damage and outage times (record)
4. Arrange urgent repairs and notify an electrician if necessary (repair)
5. Check whether rent reduction applies and observe deadlines (form)
6. Seek further help from authorities, network operator or advisory services if needed (call)

FAQ

Can I reduce my rent because of a power outage?

Under certain conditions, rent reduction is possible. The key factors are duration and severity of the impairment; document everything and inform the landlord. See §§ 535–536 BGB.^[1]

Is the landlord required to provide emergency lighting?

There is no general obligation for emergency lighting in private apartments, but there is a duty to maintain the electrical system under § 535 BGB; clarify details with the landlord.

Who do I contact in the event of a widespread grid outage?

First inform the network operator or the Federal Network Agency for information on the supply situation; in case of danger, contact emergency services. Further guidance is provided by the BBK.^[2]

Help and support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesnetzagentur — Consumer information
• BBK — Preparedness for power outages

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Bundesnetzagentur — Stromversorgung und Verbraucherinformationen
3. [3] Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK) — Stromausfallvorsorge