Report Legionella Tests: Tenants in Germany

What does reporting mean?

As a tenant you can report a legionella test if you have concerns about drinking water hygiene or measurement results. Landlords are responsible for traffic safety and maintenance of pipelines under the German Civil Code (BGB)^[1]. In case of dispute, the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) regulates court procedures^[2]. Reporting initially means: inform, document and set deadlines before formal legal steps become necessary.

Practical steps for tenants

• Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline (deadline).
• Contact the public health office or local authority (contact).
• Collect measurement protocols, photos and communication as evidence (evidence).
• Create a written defect notice or use available forms (form).
• If there is no response: consider legal steps and, if necessary, involve the local court (court).

Forms and authorities

There is no single nationwide template for every legionella report, but important forms and applications are relevant: for example, the application for legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe, PKH) for court proceedings if you cannot afford the costs^[4]. A payment order can help in payment disputes; for eviction claims or rent reduction disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible, and landmark decisions can be found at the Federal Court (BGH)^[3].

FAQ

Can I, as a tenant, initiate a legionella test?

Yes, you can inform the public health office and ask your landlord to conduct a test. Document suspicions and deadlines.

What obligations does the landlord have?

The landlord must keep the rented property in an agreed condition and remedy defects; immediate measures are required when health is endangered^[1].

What can I do if the landlord does not respond?

Set a written deadline, contact the public health office and consider legal action at the local court; legal aid may be applied for^[4].

How-To

1. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and specify a clear deadline (form).
2. Contact the public health office and describe the suspected legionella contamination (contact).
3. Secure evidence: measurement logs, photos, emails and other documentation (evidence).
4. Document deadlines and consider legal steps if there is inaction (deadline).
5. For litigation: the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; check for precedent decisions at the Federal Court (BGH) (court).

Help and Support

• German Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court (BGH) – Official site

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Official site
4. [4] Bundesministerium der Justiz – Forms and information on legal aid (PKH)