Report Gas Smell: Tenant Safety & Law in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, a gas smell can quickly become an acute danger. This guide explains step by step how you as a tenant should act safely: whom to call immediately, which deadlines and reporting routes apply, how to document damage and which official forms or written defect notices are useful. We name the competent courts and laws, give a practical checklist and explain how to secure evidence for possible rent reductions or insurance matters. The guide is written for non-lawyers and helps you understand your rights under tenancy law while prioritizing your personal safety. Read the how-to steps and the FAQ to act quickly; keep all receipts and photos safe.

What to do if you smell gas?

Immediate measures can save lives. Follow these steps quickly and calmly to ensure your safety and preserve evidence.

• Call emergency number 112 (call) immediately and leave the apartment.
• Turn off the main gas valve, avoid open flames and do not operate electrical switches (safety).
• Ventilate rooms by cross-ventilation if it is safe to do so.
• Notify your gas supplier and the landlord immediately (contact).
• Document time, smell intensity, photos and witness statements (evidence).
• If there is no response, send a written defect notice by registered mail or e-mail (form).

Forms & Defect Notice

It is important to send a written defect notice with the date, a precise description, a deadline for remediation (for example 14 days) and a request for confirmation. Such letters support claims for rent reduction or damages under the BGB^[1]. If the landlord does not respond, you may consider legal action at the competent local court (Amtsgericht)^[2], and case law of the BGH may be relevant in disputes^[3]. Draft the defect notice clearly: date, exact description of the smell, actions taken so far and a remediation deadline.

FAQ

What should I do first if I smell gas?

If the smell is strong: leave the apartment, call 112, turn off the gas supply, and inform the gas supplier and landlord.

Can I reduce my rent?

Yes, if living quality is significantly impaired you may be entitled to a rent reduction; document the defect and send a timely defect notice.^[1]

Which court should I contact in case of dispute?

Rental disputes are usually handled by the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances include the regional court (Landgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[2][3]

How-To

1. Immediate: call 112 and leave the apartment.
2. Shut off gas supply and inform landlord and gas supplier (repair).
3. Within about 14 days send a written defect notice with a clear deadline (form).
4. Secure evidence: photos, times, witness names and all communications (evidence).
5. If there is no adequate response, consider court action at the local court and observe deadlines (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Courts and legal information – BMJV
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law on tenancy

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zuständige Gerichte – Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht