Tenant Guide: Reporting Gas Smell in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you may feel quickly unsettled when sensing a gas smell in an older building. This guide explains step by step how to act safely, whom to contact immediately and what duties landlords and tenants have. You will learn how to reduce risks of fire or explosion, how to document evidence and which deadlines and official forms matter. Practical templates for reports and notes about local courts, responsible authorities and relevant case law help you enforce your rights. The language remains simple so that you as a tenant can react quickly and lawfully without legal expertise.

What to do if you smell gas in an older building?

When you smell gas every minute counts. Follow this checklist:

• Call emergency services 112 immediately and leave the building (call).
• Do not operate electrical switches or use open flames.
• Open windows and doors if it is safe to do so.
• Shut off the main valve if you know how to access it safely.
• Inform the supplier and the landlord immediately in writing and by phone (notice).^[3]

Rights and obligations

The landlord is obliged to remedy defects and keep the flat in a contractually compliant condition; in case of defects a rent reduction under the provisions of the BGB may be possible^[1]. Report defects in writing and document deadlines and responses. If litigation becomes necessary, the German Code of Civil Procedure and the competent local court regulate the proceedings^[2][4].

Forms and template texts

Official forms are rarely required; a formal written defect report to the landlord is common practice. Example text: "I hereby report a strong gas smell in the apartment, discovered on [date] at [time]. Please arrange an immediate inspection and provide a written response." Use official correspondence and note how and when you sent it.

How to (step-by-step)

1. Move people to safety and leave the danger area (safety).
2. Call emergency services 112 and notify your regional gas supplier.
3. Document photos of the scene, including date and time (photo).
4. Send a written defect report to the landlord with date, time, photos and a deadline; example: "Please inspect and fix the gas smell by [date]."
5. If the landlord does not respond, consider rent reduction or legal action at the local court^[4] and, if necessary, file suit under the Civil Procedure rules^[2].

FAQ

What if the landlord does not react?

Send a verifiable defect report and set a reasonable deadline. If necessary, inform the local court or seek legal advice; tenancy law rules are found in the BGB^[1].

Should I turn off the meter myself?

No, do not operate valves that may endanger your safety; inform the network operator and the fire department.

What deadlines apply for defect remedy?

There is no single standard deadline; for acute danger act immediately, otherwise deadlines depend on the severity of the defect and the statutory provisions in the BGB^[1].

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB and other laws
• Federal Network Agency – consumer information
• Justice portal – information on local courts and procedures

1. [1] § 536 BGB - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesnetzagentur – Verbraucherinformationen
4. [4] Justizportal – Information on courts