Prepare for a Power Outage: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you should know how to plan for a power outage in advance and respond safely. This guide explains in plain language which immediate measures are necessary in the apartment, how to report the outage correctly to the grid operator and landlord, and which legal basics support tenant rights. You will also find a practical checklist for supplies, important documents and devices as well as tips for communication with neighbors and property management. The tips help reduce outage time and avoid possible conflicts about operating costs or repairs. At the end there are official forms and contact points you can use directly in an emergency. Read the relevant sections §§ 535–580a of the BGB and keep defect reports in writing.^[1]

What to do in a power outage?

In a sudden power outage: stay calm, assess the safety situation and proceed systematically.

• Check whether fuses have tripped and if only your apartment is affected.
• Check whether neighbors or the entire building are without power.
• Disconnect important devices from power to avoid damage when power returns.
• Keep refrigerator doors closed to maintain cold as long as possible.
• Have light sources ready: flashlight, spare batteries, or battery-powered lamps.
• If medical devices are required, inform the landlord and grid operator immediately and, if necessary, emergency services.
• Document the start, duration and effects of the outage in writing for possible claims.

Report: grid operator, landlord, authorities

Inform in this order: 1) grid operator (fault reporting), 2) landlord or property management, 3) if necessary the competent authority. The Federal Network Agency provides information pages on supply security and fault reporting.^[2]

How to report correctly (short template):

• State date and time of the outage.
• Describe which rooms/devices are affected.
• Attach photos or short notes if possible.
• Provide your contract or meter number if known.

Example defect notice to the landlord (short): "Hereby I notify a power outage in apartment XY on DD.MM.YYYY from HH:MM. Please check and inform about cause and expected duration." For formal letters and templates, the Federal Ministry of Justice provides templates and guidance.^[3]

Prepare: checklist for tenants

A simple checklist helps you act quickly in an emergency.

• Supplies: water (2–3 liters per person/day), nonperishable food for at least 48 hours.
• Lighting: flashlight, spare batteries, candles and matches (store safely).
• Medications and medical devices with backup power or emergency plan.
• Important documents: copies of the rental contract, insurance, meter numbers and emergency contacts.
• Communication: charged mobile phone, power bank ready.

Tenant rights and obligations

Under the German Civil Code (BGB), the landlord must hand over and maintain the rental property in a usable condition (§ 535 BGB). If a supply fault persists or damage occurs, rules for rent reduction or compensation may apply; therefore document defects and notify the landlord in writing.^[1]

FAQ

Who pays for damage caused by a power outage?

It depends on the individual case: if the outage is due to the grid, responsibility usually lies with the grid operator; damages inside the apartment can under certain conditions also involve landlord issues, clarify this in writing with landlord and insurer.

Can I reduce rent if devices are damaged by an outage?

A rent reduction is possible if the usability of the apartment is noticeably impaired; document the scope and duration and review the legal situation under §§ 535–536 BGB.

Who do I contact if the landlord does not respond?

Contact the competent local court (Amtsgericht) for tenancy-related actions or use official advisory services; in acute emergencies municipal services can also help.

How-To

1. Check fuses and the scope of the outage (apartment, building, street).
2. Report the fault immediately to the grid operator and in parallel to your landlord.
3. Create documentation of start, duration and effects with photos or notes.
4. Keep receipts for expenses or damages and inform your household insurer if necessary.
5. Seek assistance from neighbors, property management or authorities if danger persists.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Network Agency – consumer information on electricity supply
• German Civil Code (BGB) online
• Federal Ministry of Justice – templates and guidance

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Federal Network Agency — information for consumers
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice — templates and guidance