Tenant Emergency Plan in Old Buildings – Germany
As a tenant in an old building in Germany, you should have a simple, realistic emergency plan and practice it regularly. This text explains in practical terms how to check escape routes, practice alarm and emergency call procedures, secure important documents and provide first aid for injuries. It also describes which rights and obligations you have under the BGB and ZPO, how to document damage and which forms or local authorities can help in an emergency. The goal is that you feel safer, make quick decisions and have the right evidence ready for landlords or court in case of a dispute. Concrete step-by-step instructions and FAQs help with implementation at home. Read the checklist below and practice the procedures with roommates or neighbors.
Preparing the emergency plan
A good emergency plan is short, concrete and known to all household members. Assign responsibilities (who does what?), collect phone numbers and store copies of important documents digitally and physically.
- Check escape routes and emergency exits, mark a meeting point and meeting time.
- Save emergency numbers and the landlord/house manager contact in a visible place.
- Scan the lease, insurance documents and meter readings and secure photos of the apartment condition.
- Pack an emergency bag with medications, chargers, copies of documents and some cash.
Training exercises at home
Regular practice reduces panic. Plan simple, repeatable exercises: trigger an alarm, perform a short evacuation, do a first aid drill and test communication with phone numbers. Test different scenarios (fire, burst pipe, power outage) and adapt the plan.
- Practice evacuation within a set time (e.g. 3 minutes) and document duration and problems.
- Simulate simple repair or shut-off measures (e.g. turn off water) without risky interventions.
- Perform a communication check: who informs whom, who calls and who picks up children?
- Check whether all important documents are complete and accessible.
Documentation and legal steps
Documentation is often the most important protection if claims or disputes follow later. Photograph damage, note times and witnesses, and save messages from the landlord or tradespeople. Relevant legal sections can be found in the BGB and ZPO[1][2]. For larger disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; appeals go via the regional court and possibly the BGH[3].
- Termination letter: use templates if needed, and document date and method of sending.
- Damage recording: record photos, date, time, witnesses and an initial cost estimate.
- Court proceedings: check deadlines and jurisdiction before filing a lawsuit.
FAQ
- How often should I practice emergency plans?
- At least once a year, preferably every six months; repeat when new roommates move in or structural changes occur.
- Who pays for repairs after an emergency?
- That depends on cause and responsibility; document damage and first talk to the landlord to clarify responsibilities.
- Can I conduct evacuation drills in the stairwell?
- Inform property management or the landlord in advance and avoid obstructing other residents.
How-To
- Create a short checklist with emergency numbers, meeting point and task distribution.
- Schedule a practice and set a maximum evacuation time.
- Carry out the evacuation, document time, problems and improvement points.
- Debrief the exercise, update the checklist and share the information.
Key Takeaways
- A short, practiced plan reduces reaction time and uncertainty.
- Documentation is central for claims and insurance.
- Clear emergency contacts save time and avoid misunderstandings.
Help and Support / Resources
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
- Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – official site
