Prove Internet Outage: Rent Reduction Germany

Tenants in Germany are affected by temporary internet outages and need clear steps to resolve them. First you must document the outage precisely and record dates and durations daily for evidentiary purposes. Photos of the router, provider logs and written messages to the landlord are particularly important. Give the landlord a reasonable deadline to remedy the issue and announce a rent reduction. The calculation of the reduction rate is based on the extent of the impairment and existing case law, for example. If the landlord does not respond, you can, if necessary, have tenancy-related steps reviewed at the competent local court. Use official forms and evidence, for example letters to the landlord or protocol templates from authorities.

What applies to internet outages?

The landlord is responsible for the usability of the rented property under tenancy law; limitations of internet supply can constitute a defect that justifies a rent reduction ^[1]. It is important to notify the landlord promptly and set a concrete deadline for remedy.

Collect evidence correctly

Good evidence increases the chances of success for a rent reduction. Collect all documents systematically and record outages precisely.

• Photos (photo) of the router and provider error messages should be saved.
• Document appointment and connection entries (calendar) and log times.
• Secure written communication with landlord and provider (notice) by e-mail and registered mail.
• Record exact times and durations (deadline) and provide hourly evidence.

Rent reduction: law and calculation

The basis for tenants' claims can be found in the BGB; specifically, the landlord's obligation to establish and maintain usability is relevant ^[1]. The amount of the rent reduction is oriented to the limitation of use; there is no fixed table, courts often determine percentages based on outage duration and losses. Document the scope and frequency of outages to justify a comprehensible reduction rate.

Filing a rent reduction

Draft a short, factual letter to the landlord with date, error description, evidence and a reasonable deadline for remedy. If necessary, refer to possible legal steps at the local court ^[2]. For formal claims, the templates and forms of the justice portals are relevant ^[3].

What to do in court?

If the dispute goes to court, the local court is competent in the first instance; higher instances are the regional court and possibly the Federal Court of Justice for legal questions ^[2][4]. Prepare files carefully: chronological evidence, correspondence and technical records.

FAQ

When can I reduce the rent because of an internet outage?

If the internet function is significantly restricted for contractual use and the landlord does not remedy the situation within a set deadline, a rent reduction may be considered.

What evidence is sufficient for a rent reduction?

Photos of the router, provider logs, screenshots of outage times, e-mail or registered mail receipts to the landlord and precise time records are persuasive.

Do I have to contact the local court first?

No, you should first set a deadline in writing and collect evidence. The local court is the next step if an out-of-court settlement is not possible.

How-To

1. Document outages immediately with date, time and duration (record).
2. Notify the landlord in writing and request a deadline for remedy (notice).
3. Set a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days) and announce the rent reduction (deadline).
4. Calculate the reduction rate in a documented and comprehensible way based on the impairment (rent).
5. If the landlord does not respond, consider filing at the competent local court (court).
6. Keep all documents and evidence and attach them to any necessary claim (evidence).

Key Takeaways

• Early documentation increases chances of success when reducing rent.
• Written deadlines to the landlord are usually required before further steps.
• The local court is the first judicial instance for tenancy disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB and tenancy law
• Justice Portal: Information on local courts
• Federal Ministry of Justice: Forms and guidance

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), §535 — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Local courts — Justice Portal of the Federal and State Governments
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice — Forms and guidance
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Decisions