Tenant Emergency Plan 2025: Safety in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should have a clear home emergency plan. This guide explains in plain language which immediate measures to take in case of water, heating or power failure, how to secure documentation and when to inform the landlord or the local court. You will learn which official forms are useful, how deadlines under the BGB and ZPO work and which contacts can help in an emergency. The text is aimed at tenants without legal expertise and offers practical checklists, sample actions and advice on when legal aid is appropriate. At the end you will find a short how-to, frequently asked questions and links to official authorities for forms and court procedures. Keep documents both digitally and physically so deadlines can be met.

What belongs in an emergency plan for tenants?

An emergency plan helps limit damage and secure rights. It should contain clear steps, contacts and templates.

• Immediate measures for water or heating failures (shut off main water, check main fuse).
• Create documentation: photos, videos, date, time and witness names.
• Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline for remedy.
• Keep important contacts handy: emergency services, janitor, property management, local legal advice.
• Store lease, handover records and receipts securely and accessibly.

Immediate actions, deadlines and authorities

First act to remove acute hazards. Inform the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remedy; the landlord's legal duties are regulated in the BGB.^[1] If the landlord does not respond, the local court may be necessary; court actions follow the rules of the ZPO.^[2]

For eviction claims or outstanding payments, the local court is the first instance; watch deadlines and consult legal advice if needed.^[3]

Practical templates and forms

Use template texts for defect notices and deadlines; include date, specific defect description and the desired deadline (e.g. 14 days). Note how you sent the text (email, registered mail).

• Defect notice: description, date, deadline for remedy.
• Record registered mail or confirmation of receipt to secure proof.

Key takeaways

• Document damages immediately and keep receipts.
• Always send a written defect notice with a deadline.
• Have emergency services and legal contacts ready.

FAQ

Who must fix the damage?

The landlord is generally obliged to keep the rented property in contractual condition and to remedy defects.

How do I set a reasonable deadline?

Send a written defect notice and set a clear deadline (often 14 days); document dispatch and receipt.

When can I reduce the rent?

If the usability is significantly impaired, you can reduce the rent; consult §§ 536 ff. BGB for the conditions.

How-To

1. Check safety immediately (remove hazards, check electricity/water).
2. Create full documentation with photos, date and witnesses.
3. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline.
4. If there is no response, consider legal steps and the jurisdiction of the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
• Local Courts — Justice Portal of the Federal and State Governments

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Local Courts — Justice Portal of the Federal and State Governments