Proving Internet Outages — Tenants in Germany

Evidence Collection: What Tenants Should Document

Keep a clear dated record of all internet outages: without structured proof it is difficult to enforce claims. Collect access logs, router logs, screenshots and provider tickets and note exact outage periods.

• Log files and router connection records as evidence of outages.
• Screenshots of error messages and speed tests with date and time.
• Provider outage notifications or ticket numbers from the ISP.
• Documented communications with landlord and provider (email, chat, call logs).

Deadlines and Legal Basis

Tenants have rights under the German Civil Code; important rules about landlord duties and rent reduction are in §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] For court actions, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply, in particular regarding filing claims and deadlines.^[2] Relevant decisions of the Federal Court of Justice can clarify interpretation regarding rent reduction.^[3]

Template Letters and Wording

There is no single official form for a rent reduction notice; however, a practical approach is a written deadline notice describing the defect, attaching evidence and setting a concrete deadline for repair. Use templates as a basis and list concrete proofs (e.g., speed test, log files, ticket numbers).

• Short information letter to landlord: describe the outage, attach evidence, set a deadline.
• Deadline to provider via email and registered mail with deadline and ticket number.
• Create a proof folder: collect all replies, invoices and test logs.

How a Rent-Reduction Process Typically Proceeds

If the landlord does not respond or the outage is not fixed, you may reduce the rent or consider compensation. Start with a formal deadline notice, continue documenting, and check whether court action at the local district court (Amtsgericht) is necessary.

FAQ

Can I reduce rent immediately if the internet fails?

Immediate rent reduction may be possible if the usability of the rented property is significantly restricted; document the scope and duration of the outage carefully.

What proofs are most important?

Log files, timestamped speed tests, provider ticket numbers and dated communication with landlord/provider are key proofs.

Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?

First send a written deadline; if no solution, consider filing a claim at the competent local court and seek legal advice if needed.

How-To

1. Collect log files, screenshots and provider tickets with date and time as evidence.
2. Send a deadline to the landlord and provider in writing and submit evidence by email and registered mail.
3. Record response deadlines and act within set times to preserve rights.
4. If outages continue, consider rent reduction, compensation claims or filing a suit at the district court.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation is the single most important step before any legal action.
• Missing deadlines can weaken your legal position.

Help and Support / Resources

• §§ 535–580a BGB (Tenancy law) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection — bmj.de