Repair Notice for Tenants in Germany 2025

Repair Notice: Rights and Duties

The landlord is required under the German Civil Code to keep the rental property in a condition suitable for contractual use (§ 535 BGB). For significant defects the tenant may reduce the rent; exact requirements and consequences are regulated by the BGB.^[1] In disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) usually decides in the first instance; procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2]

What belongs in the repair notice?

• Photos with date and location (evidence).
• Concrete description of the defect: location, start, extent (form).
• Date of discovery and deadline for remediation (deadline).
• Record all contacts with landlord or property management (contact).
• Note restrictions to habitability or use (repair).

Write the notice clearly and factually, set a reasonable deadline for repair and keep copies. Send the notice preferably in writing (letter or email) and document dispatch. When entering a defect protocol, record place, date and signature.

If the landlord does not respond, you may consider rent reduction or compensation; both require careful documentation. For complex cases, going to the local court or seeking legal advice can be sensible. Note that civil proceedings have their own deadlines and formal requirements.^[2]

FAQ

What is an effective repair notice?

An effective repair notice describes the defect in detail, gives date and location, requests a reasonable deadline for repair and documents dispatch.

Can I immediately reduce the rent?

Rent reduction is possible if the defect is significant; secure evidence and check the legal situation under §§ 535–536 BGB.^[1]

Where do I go in case of dispute?

If no agreement is reached, the local court decides; important procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the defect with photos, date and a short description (deadline).
2. Step 2: Draft a written repair notice and set a clear deadline for remediation (form).
3. Step 3: Send the notice by registered mail or email and prove receipt (contact).
4. Step 4: If there is no response, consider rent reduction and gather evidence (repair).
5. Step 5: For ongoing conflicts, consider filing at the local court or seeking legal counsel (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• § 535 BGB – Gesetze im Internet
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

1. [1] §§ 535–536 BGB - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] ZPO - Zivilprozessordnung - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof - Entscheidungen