Prepare for Power Outages for Tenants in Germany

Tenants in Germany should know how to practically prepare for a power outage in an older building. This guide explains in plain language which supplies make sense, how to assess heating and cooling situations, which documentation is important for damages, and what rights exist under tenancy law. It also explains how and when to inform your landlord, which emergency contacts are useful, and which official forms and authorities may be responsible. The recommendations are aimed at occupied older apartments and help protect safety, health and documentation duties so that tenants remain able to act quickly when power supply fails.

Preparation and first steps

First check the main supply sources in your flat: type of heating, hot water system and electrical supply. In many cases the landlord has maintenance and supply obligations under the German Civil Code, which you should know about^[1]. Inform your landlord promptly about the outage and document time, duration and visible effects with photos and dates.

Practical checklist

• Safety (safety): flashlight, spare batteries, first aid kit.
• Heating (heating): blankets, warm clothing, consider safe alternative heating.
• Documentation (document): photos, timestamps, bills and notes about reports.
• Contacts (contact): network operator hotline, landlord, caretaker and local emergency services.
• Deadlines (within): submit reports and formal steps within appropriate timeframes.

If the supply is interrupted for longer, also check operating cost regulations (e.g. Heizkostenverordnung) and discuss possible rent reductions or replacement measures with the landlord^[3]. In disputes about obligations or rent reduction, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for residential tenancy lawsuits^[2].

What to do during acute outages

In an acute case: stay calm, prioritize vulnerable people (seniors, small children, the ill) and inform the network operator. The Federal Network Agency provides guidance and reporting options for electricity supply disruptions^[4]. If heating functions are affected, document temperature changes and notify the landlord in writing requesting remediation.

FAQ

Who pays for emergency measures during a power outage?

Short-term emergency measures for hazard prevention are usually borne by the tenant; costs for repairs or permanent supply may be the landlord's responsibility if his maintenance duty is affected.

Can I reduce my rent if the heating fails due to a power outage?

A rent reduction is possible if the usability of the apartment is significantly impaired. Documentation and legal deadlines are important; consult the local court if necessary.^[2]

Which forms or template letters are useful?

Informal written defect notices to the landlord, proof of reports to the network operator and, if necessary, court forms under the ZPO are relevant. Legal texts and authority information can be found at official sources.

How-To

1. Within the first hour (within): report the outage to your network operator and landlord by phone and in writing.
2. Document (document): take photos, note times and keep all messages.
3. Check heating functions (repair): inspect heating and hot water and take safe provisional measures if needed.
4. Use emergency contacts (contact): notify building management, network operator and arrange help for vulnerable people.
5. Act formally (form): send a written defect notice to the landlord, set deadlines and announce possible rent reduction.

Help and Support

• Federal Network Agency — outage reports and information
• Gesetze im Internet: German Civil Code §535 - landlord duties
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO - Civil Procedure Code

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: BGB §535 - Pflichten des Vermieters
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: ZPO - Zivilprozessordnung
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet: Heizkostenverordnung
4. [4] Bundesnetzagentur - Informationen zur Stromversorgung