Tenant Liability & Home Contents 2025 Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should know how liability and household contents insurance handle claims and what rights and obligations you have. This guide clearly explains when to report which damages, which deadlines apply, which official forms to use and how to secure evidence. We also show which template forms exist (e.g. termination or damage reports) and when courts such as the local court (Amtsgericht) become competent^[1]. We also describe practical steps in disputes with the landlord, the competence of local and regional courts and the relevant BGB provisions on defects, rent reduction and termination^[2]. The aim is to give tenants concrete checklists and templates so that settlement and, if necessary, legal steps in Germany proceed faster and more securely.

Liability vs. Household Contents – brief explanation

Liability insurance protects you as a tenant against third-party claims if you damage someone else's property or injure someone. Household contents insurance covers damage to your own belongings from fire, water damage, storm, burglary, or vandalism. Check your policy carefully: coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions vary.

Report a claim: steps & deadlines

Report claims promptly to your insurer and also inform your landlord if the damage affects the apartment or building. Documentation is crucial: photos, invoices and a written damage description make settlement easier.

• Report immediately (within 7 days) and give a short written notice of the damage.
• Collect photos and receipts (evidence, photos) and note date and place.
• Inform the insurer in writing (notice, submit form) and file the damage report.
• Document the amount of damage (amount, payment) with estimates or invoices.

Forms and templates

If possible, use official templates. Typical forms are the insurer's damage report forms, move-in and move-out handover protocols and, if applicable, a model termination letter. A clear damage report with date, location, description and attachments speeds up processing.

If there is a dispute: legal procedure

If settlement fails or the landlord demands unjustified payments, tenants may consider legal action. Rental disputes are usually heard in the local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court (Landgericht) and fundamental legal questions can be decided by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). Eviction actions or enforcement follow the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) and specific deadlines that must be observed^[3].

FAQ

What does liability insurance cover and what does household contents insurance cover?

Liability protects against third-party claims for damage you caused; household contents insurance replaces damage to your own belongings from, for example, fire or burglary.

How quickly must I report a claim?

Claims should be reported promptly, generally within days, in writing and documented; specific deadlines are in your policy.

Which forms do I need in a dispute with the landlord?

Useful documents are damage reports, handover protocols, possibly a rent reduction notice and a written complaint; official templates help with wording.

How-To

1. Report the damage immediately to insurer and landlord (within 7 days).
2. Collect photos and receipts (evidence, photos) and back them up digitally.
3. Fill in the form and attach all supporting documents (notice, submit form).
4. Monitor deadlines and seek legal advice if necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation with photos and invoices is crucial for settlement.
• Use official forms and templates to state claims clearly.
• Strictly observe deadlines, especially for court proceedings.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §535 ff. – Rules on tenancy contracts and obligations
• ZPO – Code of Civil Procedure for court actions
• Federal Court of Justice – key case law on tenancy

1. [1] Information on local courts (Amtsgerichte) – Justizportal
2. [2] BGB §535 ff. – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] ZPO – Zivilprozessordnung, Gesetze im Internet