Lost Keys for Renters in Germany: Students

As a student in Germany, a lost apartment key can quickly lead to costs, stress and uncertainty. This guide explains clearly and practically what rights tenants have, how to check liability or contents insurance, when the landlord must pay and which deadlines apply for reports, cost reimbursements or legal action. I describe concrete steps: immediate measures, communicating with the landlord, required evidence and relevant forms as well as the competent local court for rental disputes. The guidance is based on German tenancy law (BGB §§ 535–580a) and civil procedure for lawsuits and collection proceedings so you know when formal steps make sense and which documents courts or insurers expect.

What to do immediately after losing keys?

Act quickly: timely communication and proper documentation reduce the risk that you will have to bear all costs yourself.

• Notify the landlord in writing and by phone within 24 hours and set a deadline for a response.
• Call your insurer (liability/contents) and report the damage; record the process.
• Obtain cost estimates for lock replacement or cylinder systems and secure invoices.
• Take photos of the lock, any key fragments and collect all receipts.

Insurance: liability vs. contents

Check your insurance terms: many private liability policies cover costs if losing keys causes an actual damage or increased risk, for example if keys and address were lost together. Contents insurance typically covers burglary damage in the home, not automatically the replacement of locking systems due to lost keys. Report the damage in writing and request the insurer's damage form; include photos, estimates and receipts.^[1]

Cost responsibility and landlord duties

Under tenancy law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the rented property; actual cost responsibility for changing locks depends on cause and fault. If you as tenant lost the key, the landlord may demand replacement or exchange of the locking system and assert the costs against you. In case of uncertainty, document agreements in writing and request detailed invoices. In disputes over entitlement or amount, the local court usually decides.^[1]

Forms and legal steps

Depending on developments, you may need official forms or legal action. Here are the main forms with practical examples:

• Police report (report form): If keys were stolen together with personal documents, file a report; the police record strengthens insurance and legal positions.
• Payment order (collection procedure form): If the landlord bills you and you dispute payment, a collection procedure may follow; check jurisdiction under the civil procedure rules.^[2]
• Filing a claim at the local court (claim form): For unfounded charges or to reclaim paid costs, file a claim at the competent local court; the court initiates proceedings under the civil procedure rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for changing the lock when keys are lost?

Often the tenant pays if they lost the key through fault; insurers may cover costs depending on the policy. Check your contract and insurance policy and request detailed invoices.

Is an email to the landlord sufficient as notice?

An email is a good first step, but it is recommended to have an additional written proof (registered letter or written confirmation of receipt) to secure deadlines and evidence.

When is the local court (Amtsgericht) competent?

Most tenancy disputes about costs or reimbursement claims are handled by the local court; for higher amounts the district court and eventually the Federal Court of Justice may be involved.^[3]

How-to

1. Tenant: Inform the landlord in writing and by phone within 24 hours and set a response deadline.
2. Contact your liability and contents insurers, report the damage by phone and request a damage form.
3. Collect evidence: photos, receipts, cost estimates and all correspondence with landlord and insurer.
4. Obtain at least two cost estimates and submit them together with invoices to your insurer.
5. If no agreement is reached, consider collection proceedings or filing suit at the local court; present all documents in order.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions and guidance

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Decisions and guidance