Key Loss & Tenants: Choose Insurance in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, losing an apartment key can become unexpectedly expensive and stressful. Many students are unsure whether their liability or household insurance covers the damage or whether the landlord can demand compensation. This guide explains in plain language which insurances typically cover key loss, what evidence insurers require, and which deadlines under tenancy law are important. You will receive concrete steps — from quickly notifying the landlord about the loss to creating a damage report and communicating with your insurer. I also describe which forms and which judicial instances are relevant in disputes so you can decide whether legal assistance is necessary. Practical sample texts make reporting easier and protect your rights as a tenant. At the end you will find an FAQ and a step-by-step guide with specific form names and authority references.

Which insurance pays for key loss?

Generally, private liability insurance covers costs if you, as a tenant, have lost someone elses key or if it is demonstrable that third parties were endangered by your loss. Household insurance usually only covers your own items within the home, not third-party damages caused by key loss. Check your policy carefully: some liability tariffs exclude individual key cases or require a deductible.

Typical coverage and exclusions

• Liability: Coverage for lock and key replacement and contributions to replacement costs if third parties are at risk.
• Household insurance: Usually covers only stolen or destroyed items inside the apartment, not lock costs.
• Special clauses: Some contracts require a prior police report or exclude gross negligence.

Practical steps after loss

Act quickly, document everything and inform the right parties: landlord, insurer and, if necessary, the police. A clear order helps to secure claims and avoid unnecessary costs.

• Contact the landlord immediately and report the loss.
• Submit a written damage report to your liability insurer.
• Collect evidence: photos, time, possible witnesses, lock numbers.
• Observe deadlines: Many insurers require notification "without undue delay".

What students should especially note

Students often live in shared flats and face special risks: shared keys, frequent moves and limited budgets. Check whether your liability insurance is taken out via your parents or whether you need your own tariff. Clarify whether, in a shared flat, the costs for a lost shared key are borne by all or only by the person responsible.

Forms and official steps

For disputes and formal steps, the following documents are relevant: a written damage report to the insurer, a police loss report (if necessary), and possibly applications for legal aid or court costs assistance if court proceedings arise. For tenancy disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; higher instances are the regional court (Landgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice.^[1][2][3]

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my private liability insurance cover the lock change?

Often yes, if the loss creates a concrete danger to third parties; however, check exclusions and reporting deadlines in your policy.

Do I have to inform the landlord immediately?

Yes. Inform the landlord promptly, as they may require a lock change depending on the security risk.

Can the landlord immediately deduct the costs from the deposit?

Not without legal basis; the landlord can claim costs but must provide proof. In case of dispute, the local court decides.

How-To

1. Within 24 hours: Contact the landlord and report the loss.
2. Send a written damage report to the liability insurer, including dates and evidence.
3. Document photos, witnesses and any lock numbers.
4. If there is a security risk: arrange a lock change and clarify cost responsibility with insurer/landlord.
5. If disputed: consider legal aid or court costs assistance and, if needed, file at the local court.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB (Tenancy Law)
• Gesetze im Internet: ZPO (Civil Procedure)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a – Laws in the Internet (Germany)
2. [2] ZPO – Code of Civil Procedure – Laws in the Internet (Germany)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice – Decisions