Silicone Seals & Moisture Checklist for Tenants Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should systematically check silicone seals and possible moisture damage. This guide explains how to identify defects, gather evidence, inform the landlord in writing, and which deadlines are important. We name the relevant legal bases, show practical wording for a defect notice, and describe options if the landlord does not respond. The steps are easy to understand and designed specifically for tenants without legal expertise so you can enforce your rights and avoid health risks.

What to check

Check silicone seals in the bathroom and kitchen for cracks, black mold spots, detachment and water ingress. Note exactly since when the damage exists and check whether moisture penetrates the masonry. In principle, the landlord must maintain the apartment in a usable condition (^[1]).

Checklist: Silicone seals & moisture damage

• Inspect silicone seals for cracks, detachment or mold.
• Take dated photos and timestamps as evidence.
• Send a written defect notice (form or letter) to the landlord and set a deadline.
• Record deadlines: specify a clear time (e.g. 14 days) and document receipt.
• Attempt phone contact and create a written confirmation of the conversation.
• If there is no response, consider rent reduction, expert assessment or legal action.

If mold is visible or there is a smell of moisture, act quickly and inform the landlord in writing. Documentation helps later with rent reduction or compensation claims.

How-To

1. Inspect: Check seals and wall areas, note location, extent and time.
2. Document: Take multiple photos from different angles and save metadata.
3. Send written defect notice: Briefly describe the defect, attach photos and set a deadline (e.g. 14 days).
4. Observe deadlines: document all receipts and responses within the set timeframes.
5. Next steps: If the landlord does not respond, consider rent reduction, an expert report or legal action at the local court (^[2]).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to report mold immediately?

Yes, report visible mold to the landlord in writing immediately and document with photos and dates.

2. Can I reduce rent because of leaking seals?

Under certain conditions, rent reduction is possible; the amount depends on the extent of the impairment.

3. What if the landlord does not respond?

Set a reasonable deadline, obtain an expert opinion if necessary, and consider legal action at the competent local court (^[2]).

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) Decisions — bundesgerichtshof.de