Tenant Guide Germany: Accessible Evacuation Plan

As a tenant in Germany, you should know how to document an accessible evacuation plan in an older building and what rights you have. This text explains step by step which types of evidence are useful, which authorities and courts may be responsible, and how to report defects to the landlord correctly. The guide helps to record accessibility, escape routes and special needs of people with disabilities, collect photographic and written evidence and meet deadlines. This way you can improve your safety and present clear documents in case of a dispute. The aim is to make tenant rights understandable and provide practical procedures for everyday life. We also show which official forms and contact points are important, how to prepare evidence for the local court and when a rent reduction may be possible.

What tenants in Germany should do

Start with clear written documentation: date, place, description of the problem and visible defects on the escape route. Note whether signage is missing, steps are not marked or doors are blocked. Such records help to demonstrate your safety concerns and support claims against the landlord.

• Document dates and times of defects and alarms.
• Take photos of escape routes, signage and obstacles.
• Record witness names and contact details.
• Send a written report to the landlord and keep copies.

Legal basis

Consumer and tenant protection in Germany is based on the Civil Code (BGB), especially rules on defect remediation and the usability of the rented property ^[1]. If landlords do not respond, civil litigation can be brought before the local court; procedural rules are found in the Code of Civil Procedure ^[2]. For higher instances, regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) are responsible when fundamental questions need to be resolved ^[4].

Official forms

Use official templates and guidance if you wish to proceed formally. Examples and instructions can be found at judicial authorities and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

• Complaint form (civil action) – form from the justice portal for filing at the local court.
• Sample termination letters and templates for written defect notices (guidance from the justice portal).
• Information on interim measures and jurisdictional questions at courts.

For concrete forms and the correct procedure, check the justice pages or contact the responsible local court ^[3].

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, videos, witness statements and exact times.
2. Report defects in writing to the landlord and document delivery.
3. Set a deadline (e.g. 14 days) for remedial action and follow up.
4. In case of danger, call the fire brigade or police and inform the public order office.
5. Prepare documents for court action at the local court if no remedy is provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must an accessible evacuation plan include?

It should include escape routes, assembly points, marking for accessible routes and contact information for people in need of assistance.

Can I reduce my rent due to lack of accessibility?

A rent reduction may be possible if the usability is significantly impaired; check the requirements and evidence in each case.

Who should I contact in case of immediate danger?

First notify the fire brigade or police in case of danger, then inform the landlord and, if necessary, the public order office.

Help and Support

• Contact and Forms – Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Laws – Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO)
• Forms – Justice Portal for Germany

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §535 ff. - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justice Portal Forms - justiz.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de