Power Outage: Tenant Guide for Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should know how to protect yourself during a power outage in an older building and what rights you have. This text explains practically which emergency equipment is useful, how to document damages and outages, when to notify the landlord or grid operator and which legal steps are possible. I also describe which sections of the BGB are important and where you can turn for help. The guide is aimed at residents of older houses who are often affected by missing emergency lighting, failures of pumps or elevators. The goal is to minimize damage, increase your safety and assert your claims clearly and understandably.

What tenants should check first

First check whether fuses have blown or if only the building is affected. Ask neighbors whether they also have no power; this helps determine whether it is a local problem or a larger outage.

Emergency equipment for older buildings

• Batteries, flashlight and spare lamps for each room.
• Power bank for phone and mobile devices, kept charged and ready.
• Blankets, warm clothing and a thermos with drinking water.
• Portable or camping stove (use only with distance and ventilation).
• Important papers: rental contract, defect evidence and landlord contact details.

How to document damages and outages

Photos, timestamps and short notes help with later claims. Note when you informed the landlord and what response occurred. If technical facilities like the house water pump or heating are affected, mention these failures specifically.

When to inform landlord and grid operator

• Inform the landlord immediately: give time, affected rooms and visible consequences.
• Contact the grid operator if the outage is widespread or technical systems are affected.
• If there is danger (e.g. stuck elevator), inform emergency services or fire department.

Relevant legal basics (brief)

The legal framework for defects and rent reduction is found in the Civil Code (BGB §§535–536). For court procedures the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) is relevant. Deadlines and evidence preservation can be important in case of damages.^[1]

Practical steps for severe outages

• Send a defect notice to the landlord immediately (written, with photo and date).
• Request a timeframe for remedying the defect and document the deadline.
• If no solution occurs, consider rent reduction or compensation claims (see BGB).

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if the power is out for a long time in an older building?

Yes, tenants can consider a rent reduction if usability is limited; the amount depends on the scope and duration of the outage and impacts on living quality.

Who pays if food spoils due to the outage?

Compensation claims against the landlord may be possible if the cause was within the landlord's responsibility; document the damage carefully.

Are there official contacts for tips on power preparedness?

Yes, the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance and the Federal Network Agency provide recommendations for preparedness and behavior during outages.

How-To

1. Check the scope of the outage and inform landlord and neighbors immediately.
2. Document time, damages and all contacts in writing and with photos.
3. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and request a deadline for remedy.
4. If there is no response, consider legal steps (rent reduction, district court clarification).

Help and Support

• BBK – Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance
• Federal Network Agency – information on power supply
• Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–536

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–536
2. [2] BBK – Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe
3. [3] Bundesnetzagentur – Information on power supply