Report Gas Smell: Tenant Guide in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, the smell of gas in a high-rise can be frightening. This practical, easy-to-understand guide explains the immediate steps students and other tenants should take: how to assess the danger, whom to call first, how to protect your apartment and neighbors, and how to inform your landlord and the responsible authorities correctly. You will receive tips on documenting evidence, on deadlines and possible legal steps under the BGB, and on when going to the local court may be appropriate. The guide uses clear language, names official agencies and shows concrete forms and contact routes so you can act quickly and safely.

What to do if you smell gas?

If you smell gas, every minute counts. Priority is your own safety and that of your neighbors. Follow the order: protect people, reduce danger, get help and then document.

Immediate measures

• Emergency line/Hotline 112 and inform the fire department.
• Leave the apartment immediately, do not close windows or doors yourself, do not operate electrical switches.
• Warn neighbors and inform the building community.
• Inform the supplier or network operator; if unsure call the local energy hotline (Federal Network Agency as a contact point).
• If safely possible: take photos, note the time and record witnesses (name, time).

Documentation and notification

Good documentation strengthens your rights with the landlord and in later procedures. Note times, odor intensity, names of responders and phone numbers. Send a written notice to the landlord by email and registered mail if necessary.

• Send a written notification to the landlord (email + registered mail), attach your protocol.
• Observe deadlines (Frist (deadline) to remedy defects, e.g. 14 days for acute defects).
• Secure evidence: photos, messages, service reports and witness statements.

Tenant rights

Landlords are obliged to maintain the rental property in a usable condition. This is regulated by the German Civil Code (BGB).^[1] In cases of danger to life and limb, special rules apply; you may call authorities and seek necessary protection in emergencies. If the landlord does not respond promptly, rent reduction, compensation or—if performance continues to fail—legal action may follow. The local court (Amtsgericht) is usually the first instance for rental disputes.^[2]

Technical and legal steps

If the network operator or an expert establishes the cause, request written confirmation of cause and measures. For persistent defects, rent reduction may be considered; legal proceedings follow the Civil Procedure Rules (ZPO).^[3]

FAQ

What do I do first if I notice gas smell in the building?

Leave the apartment immediately, warn neighbors, call 112 and inform the network operator if necessary.

Can I reduce my rent if the landlord does not respond?

Yes, if usability is impaired, rent reduction may be possible; carefully document defects and deadlines.

Who do I contact for help outside business hours?

In an acute emergency always 112; for network failures, the supplier's 24/7 emergency line or the Federal Network Agency.

How-To

1. Call 112 immediately and leave the building.
2. Warn neighbors and go to a safe location outside the building.
3. Inform the network operator and your landlord in writing.
4. Document time, place, photos and witnesses for later evidence.
5. Consider legal steps and deadlines; contact the local court or legal advice if necessary.

Help and Support

• Emergency 112 – Fire department / police (immediate emergency)
• German Civil Code (BGB) – Landlord obligations
• Federal Network Agency – Energy information

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), §535 – Pflichten des Vermieters
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Informationen zu Gerichtsverfahren
3. [3] Bundesnetzagentur – Information zur Energieversorgung
4. [4] Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz – Verbraucherinformationen