Reporting CO Alarms: Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants in high-rise buildings wonder how to react if a CO alarm sounds or is missing. This article explains practically what rights tenants have in Germany, what obligations the landlord has and which steps you should take immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide danger. I describe how to report defects securely, which deadlines apply, when to call the fire department and how to collect evidence so that claims are enforceable. The guidance is written in plain language with concrete actions for tenants so you can orient yourself quickly and safely in an uncertain situation. At the end there is a short guide, sample texts and information on which authorities and courts to contact if landlords do not respond.

What to do about CO alarms in high-rise buildings?

Landlords have basic maintenance and safety obligations under tenancy law that stem from the German Civil Code (BGB).^[1] If a CO alarm fails, safety may be impaired; this can be a breach of the landlord's duties. Check your lease for clauses about smoke and CO alarms and document the condition and location of the alarm.

Immediate measures

• If the alarm sounds: call emergency number 112 (call) and open windows.
• Leave affected rooms and warn neighbors (move-out).
• Inform the landlord in writing (notice) and set a reasonable deadline.
• Document photos, times and any measurements (evidence) for later claims.

If the landlord does not respond, tenants can assert a rent reduction or, after the deadline, arrange a professional solution themselves and claim reimbursement. The local district court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible for enforcement; decisions by higher courts (e.g., the Federal Court of Justice) may be relevant.^[2]

Defect notice and sample texts

Report defects in writing by e-mail and letter (registered mail optional) with date, exact location and a short description. There is no nationwide mandatory template for a defect notice, but standardized forms are used in court procedures at district courts^[3]. Attach photos and any measurement records and set a clear deadline for remedy.

Sample text (short)

Dear [Landlord Name], on [date] the CO alarm in apartment [number/floor] went off. Please remedy the defect by [deadline date] or inform me of the measures you will take. If no response follows, I will consider further steps.

FAQ

Who is responsible for the CO alarm?

In most cases the landlord is responsible for providing technical safety; specific duties may follow from the lease or regional regulations.^[1]

Can I demand immediate repair from the landlord?

Yes. Document the defect and set a reasonable deadline for remedy; in case of danger you may act immediately and call the fire department.

Which court is responsible if the landlord does not act?

Tenancy disputes are usually first decided at the local district court; appeals go to the regional court, and legal questions may reach the Federal Court of Justice.^[2]

How-To

1. Call emergency number 112 and evacuate occupants.
2. Inform the landlord in writing and set a deadline for remedy.
3. Collect evidence: photos, times and any measurement data.
4. If there is no response, consider legal steps and possibly file a claim at the district court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB (Legal basis) (contact)
• Federal Court of Justice (information) (contact)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (services & forms) (contact)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Bundesgerichtshof
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz