Smoke Detector Rules 2025 for Tenants in Germany

What applies in 2025?

From 2025, many regions will apply tightened rules for smoke detector obligations that directly affect tenants in Germany. In general, the Civil Code (BGB) regulates landlord and tenant duties regarding rental properties, while state ordinances set details about smoke detector requirements^[1]. Read this section to learn who must install, maintain or replace detectors, which deadlines apply and how to act if protection is missing.

Who is responsible?

In practice, the landlord is usually responsible for supplying and correctly installing devices; maintenance and battery replacement can be assigned to the tenant depending on the contract. Check your lease and request written clarification from the landlord if uncertain. In case of doubts, consult the state building code and §§ 535–580a BGB^[1].

Concrete steps as a tenant

• Report defects in writing (notice) and set a reasonable deadline (deadline).
• Document defective or missing devices (repair) with photos and dates.
• Collect receipts and communication (document) as evidence for later steps.
• Contact the landlord immediately for questions (call) and make notes of conversations.

Forms and templates

There is no single official form for every situation, but the following templates and official services are relevant: a written defect notice (no mandatory form number), a termination letter template for emergencies, and court forms for legal claims. Use the federal forms server for court submissions and templates and the justice portals of your region for specific forms^[3].

FAQ

Who pays for new smoke detectors?

Generally the landlord bears the cost for purchase and professional installation; minor maintenance can be assigned to the tenant in the lease.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Send a written defect notice with a deadline, document the defect and consider rent reduction measures or legal advice if necessary.

Can tenants install smoke detectors themselves?

Self-installation is possible but should be coordinated with the landlord; proper installation and certification are important.

How-To

1. Check first whether smoke detectors are installed and document location and condition (document).
2. Write a formal defect notice to the landlord with photo attachments and set a deadline (notice, deadline).
3. If there is no response, inform the local district court about next steps or seek legal help (repair, court).
4. If eviction proceedings or court disputes become necessary, use official court forms and refer to the relevant legal bases (court).

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] Formularserver des Bundes — formulare-bund.de
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de