Tenant Guide: Urgency Levels in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, it is important to know urgency levels for housing problems. This guide explains clearly which repairs should be reported immediately, how deadlines work and which rights you have under tenancy law. It also covers specifics about social housing and the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) and the most important forms useful in everyday situations. We also show concrete steps: how to document damage, when to consider rent reduction and how to react to a threat of eviction. The language is deliberately simple so you can quickly decide which steps help you secure and legally protect your housing situation in Germany.
What are urgency levels in tenancy law?
Urgency levels classify how quickly a defect must be remedied. The landlord's maintenance obligations are set out in §§ 535–580a BGB[1]. In cases of immediate danger (for example gas smell, heating failure in winter) immediate action is required, while less urgent defects usually allow setting a deadline.
Typical cases and recommended actions
- Heating failure in winter: report immediately, document photos and times.
- Mold or water damage: act promptly, record circumstances in writing.
- Noisy disturbances without danger: set a deadline and wait for expiry.
- Eviction or eviction lawsuit: immediately consider legal steps and collect documents.
Forms and authorities
Relevant legal bases and procedures can be found in civil procedure law (ZPO) for lawsuits and in the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) for WBS matters[2][3]. A sample termination letter from the Federal Ministry of Justice can help when preparing a formal response[4].
Practical steps: what tenants can do now
- Document: note date, time, photos, witnesses and damage.
- Send in writing: report the defect by email and letter to the landlord with a deadline.
- Wait the deadline: if not remedied, consider rent reduction or other remedies.
- Legal steps: if there is no reaction, prepare documents for the local court and possibly seek legal help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I reduce the rent if the heating fails?
- Yes, a rent reduction may be possible for significant impairment; document the extent and duration of the outage.
- Do I have to grant the landlord immediate access to the apartment?
- The landlord generally needs access for necessary repairs but must announce appointments and respect your privacy.
- What does the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) mean for urgencies?
- The WBS governs access to subsidized housing; urgent repairs do not change eligibility, but tenants in social housing often have specific contacts.
How-To
- Step 1: Collect evidence (photos, messages, witnesses) and note times.
- Step 2: Send a formal defect notification with a deadline to the landlord.
- Step 3: Wait for the set deadline and consider rent reduction or remediation.
- Step 4: If there is no response, prepare documents for the local court and seek legal assistance if needed.
Key Takeaways
- Documentation is the most important protection for tenants.
- Set deadlines in writing or you may lose rights.
- Use official templates and forms when available.
