Power Outage: Tenants in Germany Prepare Right

As a tenant in Germany, power outages can be especially stressful for families: children, medicines and frozen food require quick planning. This guide helps tenants avoid common mistakes and prepare concretely — from an emergency kit to communicating with the landlord and documenting damage, while keeping deadlines under the German Civil Code (BGB)^[1]. We explain when rent reduction is possible, which evidence matters and which courts are competent for disputes^[2].

What to do

Start with simple, immediately actionable steps: check batteries, flashlights and a charged phone; note important phone numbers; and inform your landlord if the supply is out for longer. Document damage or food loss with photos and dates.

Checklist for families

• Assemble an emergency kit: flashlights, spare batteries, power bank, first aid kit.
• Protect food: keep refrigerator door closed and document perishable items.
• Copy essential documents: rental agreement, insurance papers and medical prescriptions.
• Inform the landlord: send a written description, time and possible consequences.
• Contact the supplier: report the outage to the network operator and note the incident number.

Rights and deadlines

If electricity or heating is affected, tenancy law in the BGB applies: the landlord must maintain the apartment in a contractually agreed condition, otherwise tenants can reduce rent or demand compensation. Notify the landlord in writing and give them a reasonable deadline to fix the issue. If deadlines and repairs do not happen, legal action may become necessary; local courts (Amtsgerichte) are typically responsible for tenancy disputes^[2].

Practical notes on evidence

Documentation is central: dated photos, receipts for spoiled food and written messages to the landlord or network operator help later. Record times, names of contacts and incident numbers from the network operator; these details ease later claims or rent reductions.

Forms and templates (official)

There is no single nationwide "rent reduction form", but the following official sources help with legal steps and information:

• Legal texts: BGB §§ 535–536 regulate tenant rights for defects; here you find the official paragraphs.
• Courts: information on responsibilities and procedures for lawsuits is available from justice authorities and local courts.
• Outage reporting: report prolonged supply failures to the Federal Network Agency if the supplier does not respond.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if the power goes out?

Yes, in some cases a rent reduction is possible if the use of the apartment is significantly impaired; document the outage and inform the landlord in writing.

Who decides on the amount of reduction in disputes?

In disputes, the competent court decides, usually the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances include the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).

Who do I contact for prolonged outages?

Report the fault first to the network operator and record incident numbers; if the response is insufficient you can involve the Federal Network Agency.

Anleitung

1. Immediate actions: secure children and medicines, close refrigerator and freezer doors.
2. Document: take dated photos and collect receipts for perishable goods.
3. Written notification: inform the landlord by email or registered mail and demand remediation within a deadline.
4. Contact the supplier: call the emergency number and note the incident number.
5. Set a deadline: if no remedy occurs, set a reasonable deadline and consider legal steps.
6. Legal action: if needed, file a claim at the local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• [2] Federal Network Agency — bundesnetzagentur.de
• [3] Federal Court of Justice — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Federal Court of Justice — bundesgerichtshof.de
3. [3] Federal Network Agency — bundesnetzagentur.de