Protect Tenants from Natural Hazards in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should know how to protect yourself against natural hazards such as floods, storms or fire. Many damages affect household items and cause high costs that often must be paid out of pocket without appropriate insurance. This guide explains in plain language the roles of liability and household insurance, typical coverages and how to choose a suitable, budget-friendly package. It also describes practical steps for a claim: documentation, contacting the landlord, notifying the insurer and observing deadlines. The aim is to help tenants reduce risks, know necessary forms and act quickly in an emergency. I also name official forms and authorities so you can act directly.
What do liability and household insurance cover for natural hazards?
Liability and household insurances serve different purposes: The landlord is obliged to keep the rental property in usable condition (BGB §§535–580a).[1] Household insurance compensates private household items damaged by water, storm or fire, while personal liability covers damage you cause to others.Check carefully whether your policy includes natural hazard coverage.
Household insurance
- Covers furniture, clothing and electronics inside the home.
- Often pays replacement cost if this option is agreed in the policy.
- Natural hazard coverage (e.g. flooding, backflow) is often optional and may increase the premium.
In many cases the natural hazard component is an add-on to standard household insurance.
Liability insurance
- Covers personal and property damage you cause to third parties.
- Protects against landlord claims if you are held responsible.
- Usually does not cover your own household contents.
Read policy exclusions carefully, as natural hazards are often regulated separately.
Practical steps after a natural hazard
Document damage immediately with photos and videos, inform the landlord promptly and report the case to your insurer to preserve deadlines.[3] Keep all receipts and request written confirmations.Good documentation increases the chances of successful claim settlement.
- Take photos and videos of damaged items and the apartment.
- Notify the landlord in writing and request confirmation.
- Submit the claim to the insurer and include all receipts.
- Take temporary protective measures (e.g. drying, covering) to prevent further damage.
Respond to official or court correspondence within the deadline.
FAQ
- Who pays for natural hazard damage, landlord or tenant?
- Generally the landlord is responsible for maintaining the rental property, but damage to personal household items is the tenant's responsibility and only covered by household or specific natural hazard insurance.[1]
- Does standard household insurance cover flooding?
- Not always; flooding from natural events is often only insured with an add-on (natural hazard protection). Check your policy and ask your insurer.
- What to do if the insurer refuses to pay?
- Request a written refusal, review the contract terms and consider legal steps; rules for lawsuits follow the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO).[2]
How-To
- Document: Take photos, videos and make a list of damaged items.
- Secure: Take temporary measures to prevent further damage.
- Inform: Notify landlord and insurer in writing and request confirmation.
- Collect receipts: Gather invoices, purchase proofs and estimates.
- Observe deadlines: Watch for insurer response times and deadlines.
- Check legal protection: If disputes arise, consider legal protection or filing a claim at the local court.[2]
