Tenant Guide: External Insurance & Deadlines in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you need a clear plan for external insurance, deadlines and the correct documents. This text explains in plain language which documents you should keep ready, which deadlines apply at the end of a contract, for damage reports or objections, and how a cost-effective liability or contents insurance can protect you. We describe practical steps for submitting damage evidence, forms and typical deadlines under the BGB, and show how to organize receipts and photos. This prepares you for rent reductions, repair cases or communication with the landlord. The guidance is easy to understand and based on legal foundations in Germany. At the end you will find links to official forms, local courts and relevant BGB paragraphs so you can submit documents correctly. Read the practical tips to save time and costs.

Important Documents

• Copy of the tenancy agreement and all signed addenda
• Handover protocol with date and meter readings plus photos of the condition
• Correspondence with the landlord: emails, letters and repair requests
• Insurance documents: policy, claim numbers and insurer contact
• Receipts for purchases, repair invoices and proof of payment

Deadlines & Appointments

Deadlines often determine the success or failure of a case: notice periods in the tenancy agreement, deadlines for defect notifications or the deadline to respond to an eviction claim must be observed. Pay attention to relevant provisions in the BGB, especially tenant and landlord duties, and procedural deadlines in the ZPO.^[1][2] Document when you sent a defect notice and keep receipts of delivery.

Typical Deadlines (Examples)

• Defect notification: immediately up to a few days after discovery
• Repair grace period: commonly 14 days as orientation
• Termination periods: as stated in the lease or regulated by law

Insurance Explained

External insurance here mainly means that damages outside the apartment (e.g. bike cellar, balcony, garage) should be covered by your contents or liability insurance. Private liability covers personal or property damage you cause; contents insurance covers burglary, fire, water damage and storm damage to household goods.^[1]

Step-by-step: Reporting Damage

1. Immediately inform the landlord in writing and send a damage description
2. Take photos, note the date and time and name witnesses
3. Contact your insurer and request a claim number
4. Collect invoices and cost estimates and submit them
5. In case of dispute, observe deadlines and inform the local court^[3]

How-To

1. Check the tenancy agreement immediately for deadlines and reporting channels
2. Gather receipts, photos and protocols in one folder
3. Send a written defect notice to the landlord (include date and details)
4. Report the damage to your insurer and note the claim number
5. If necessary, consider court options at the local court and observe ZPO deadlines^[2]

FAQ

Which documents should I collect for a water damage?

Collect photos, date and time, notices sent to the landlord, invoices for drying or repairs and your insurance policy.

Who pays when a third party causes damage?

If a third party is responsible, their liability insurer pays; otherwise you may use your own insurer and consider recourse.

When should I involve the local court?

If the landlord does not act despite a deadline or an eviction suit is threatened, an application at the competent local court may be required.

Help and Support

• BGB: Civil Code §§ 535–580a
• ZPO: Code of Civil Procedure
• Justice Portal: Local Courts and Jurisdiction
• Federal Ministry of Justice: Forms and Guidance

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Justice Portal: Information on Local Courts
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice: Forms and Information