Tenant Damage Report: Check Coverage in Germany

Many tenants in Germany are unsure how to report damage in the apartment correctly and whether liability or household contents insurance will cover the costs. This practical text explains in plain terms the steps you should take as a tenant: document the damage, inform the landlord, check insurance coverage and use the necessary forms. I describe deadlines, typical exclusions and how to collect evidence without incurring high costs. At the end you will find FAQ, a step-by-step guide to reporting and official links to forms and courts. The aim is to enable you to secure claims or arrange repairs promptly.

What to do now

Act promptly and systematically so that evidence is not lost later and your claims remain valid.

• Document the damage immediately: take photos and note date and time.
• Inform the landlord in writing and in a verifiable way; briefly describe the damage and location.
• Contact your insurer: check liability or contents coverage and note the claim number.
• In case of danger, take immediate measures (e.g. turn off water or electricity).
• Collect cost estimates and invoices before having repairs carried out without agreement.

Check insurance coverage and protection

Check whether the damage is covered by your personal liability or household contents insurance and whether there are exclusions or deductibles. Relevant tenancy law duties for maintenance and defect remediation are in the German Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a.^[1]

Forms, deadlines and courts

Use written notifications and keep copies. If defects are not remedied, a lawsuit can be filed at the competent local court; local Amtsgerichte are the first instance for tenancy disputes.^[2] Rules for legal proceedings are set out in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[3]

FAQ

Do I have to report damage to the landlord?

Yes. You should report damage in writing and in a verifiable manner and take evidence photos so that deadlines and claims are preserved.

Will my liability insurance pay for every damage?

Not always. Liability insurance usually covers damage you cause to third parties; household contents insurance covers damage to your belongings. Check your policy terms.

When is the local court (Amtsgericht) responsible?

The Amtsgericht is the competent first instance for most tenancy disputes such as rent reduction, termination and eviction actions.

How-To

1. Document: photograph the damage immediately and record the date.
2. Inform landlord: notify the landlord promptly and set a deadline for correction.
3. Contact insurer: call or report online and obtain confirmation of coverage.
4. Get estimates: obtain repair quotes and only proceed with repairs after agreement.
5. Set deadlines: if disputed, set a final written deadline and collect evidence.
6. Court steps: if necessary, file a claim at the local court and keep records complete.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
• Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
• Bundesgerichtshof – Information

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Justizportal – Amtsgerichte
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO