Report Gas Smell for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should take the smell of gas seriously and know how to react quickly and correctly. This checklist explains which steps to take immediately, who to inform — from property management to emergency services — and how to document evidence securely. High-rise buildings require extra precautions for evacuation, stairwells and elevator use. We explain your rights and obligations, clarify relevant tenancy law terms in plain language and list official forms and courts responsible in disputes. At the end you will find practical templates, authority contacts and behavior tips until professionals take over.

What to do if you smell gas

Act calmly but promptly. Inform emergency services and property management first, document what you can and protect yourself and neighbors. As a tenant you have duties to mitigate damage and rights to defect remediation under the German Civil Code (BGB) ^[1].

• Call emergency number 112 (call) and report the danger.
• Shut off the gas valve if it is safe to do so (repair) and turn off electrical sources.
• Do not use open flames, do not smoke and avoid elevators (safety); ventilate the building and keep doors open.
• Inform property management or landlord (contact) and prepare a written defect notice.
• Secure evidence: photos, timestamps, note neighbors (evidence) and keep notes of conversations.
• Send a defect notice by registered mail/email and set a deadline (form) with proof of delivery.

Forms and responsibilities: For internal reporting a simple defect notice is often sufficient (no uniform official form), stating date, time, measurements or photos and requesting remediation within a deadline. If danger persists or there is no response, legal action may be necessary; local courts (Amtsgericht) usually handle tenancy disputes ^[2]. Fundamental rules on duties and rights are in §§535–580a BGB ^[1], and procedural steps are in the ZPO ^[2]. In individual cases, Federal Court (BGH) case law determines interpretation of tenant rights ^[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call the emergency number?

Call 112 immediately if you notice strong odor, dizziness, nausea or other poisoning symptoms. For a mere suspicion, inform property management first and stay alert.

Do I have to leave the apartment immediately?

Follow the instructions of the fire brigade or emergency services. In narrow stairwells or high-rise buildings evacuation rules may apply; leave only if recommended.

Can I reduce the rent if the gas smell continues?

Rent reduction may be possible if habitability is affected and the landlord does not act promptly. Rights are governed by the BGB [1]; document damages and deadlines.

How-To

1. Call 112 and give the exact address (call).
2. Shut off the main gas valve if it can be done safely (repair).
3. Move all people to safety, avoid elevators and open windows/doors (safety).
4. Inform landlord or property management and announce a defect notice (contact).
5. Take photos, note times and witnesses (evidence).
6. Send the defect notice in writing; if there is no response, set a deadline and consider legal steps (form).

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§535–580a on gesetze-im-internet.de
• ZPO on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court (BGH)

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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 (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de