Tenant: Lost Keys & Insurance in Germany
If you are a tenant in Germany and lose your apartment key, practical and legal questions arise immediately: when to inform the landlord, when liability or household insurance pays, and which deadlines or forms matter. This guide explains in plain language the immediate steps to take, how to document damage, and how tenancy law in Germany typically handles disputes. The goal is to give you concrete steps to save time, avoid unnecessary costs, and know when to seek help from authorities or courts.
What to do after losing a key?
Act quickly: inform the landlord, check whether keys are insured, and decide if a lock replacement is necessary. Document date, time and circumstances of the loss and keep receipts for replacement costs. If personal risk exists (ID, bank cards), report to the police and block accounts.
- Call the landlord immediately and additionally notify by email or letter, noting the date.
- Take photos or notes of the location and time and keep them safe.
- Check whether personal documents are affected; inform the police if there is a risk.
- Collect invoices and cost estimates for lock replacement or key duplication.
Insurance: Liability & Household
Liability and household insurance work differently: private liability can cover compensation if you damage third-party property or lock systems. Household insurance usually covers replacement of your own items, not the replacement of building entrance locks unless explicitly agreed. Check your policy and report the loss to your insurer in writing immediately. Keep all receipts and communications with the landlord.
- Check liability: who pays for replacement costs and possible follow-up costs.
- Household check: which personal items are covered and what deductible applies.
- Submit the claim in writing and request confirmation of receipt.
Forms, Deadlines and Court Procedures
There is no nationwide mandatory form to report lost keys to a landlord, but documents and deadlines can be decisive in tenancy disputes. Rights and obligations are regulated by the German Civil Code (BGB)[1]. If a landlord demands measures such as lock replacement or invoices costs, disputes can often be resolved out of court; in escalation the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent and civil procedure rules under the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) apply[2]. You can find local court information at official justice portals[3].
- Provide cost breakdowns and payment receipts if the landlord claims costs.
- Object in writing with reasons; observe objection deadlines.
- Collect files, receipts and correspondence if court action becomes necessary.
FAQ
- Who pays for replacing the lock if a key is lost?
- It depends on the individual case: if the tenant culpably lost the key, the landlord can demand compensation; whether insurance pays depends on the policy. Check your contract and discuss cost sharing with the landlord.
- Should I report the loss to the police?
- A police report is advisable if personal documents are missing or identity theft is a risk; it also serves as evidence for insurers and landlords.
- What deadlines matter if the landlord demands costs?
- Respond immediately in writing. For payment demands, you should object or pay within the given deadlines, otherwise dunning procedures and court steps may follow.
How-To
- Call the landlord and report the loss in writing (email/letter), noting the date.
- File a police loss report if personal documents are affected.
- Collect photos, receipts and witness information and inform your insurer.
- If the landlord claims costs, present evidence and object in writing if necessary.
- If needed, seek legal advice and have the local court review the case.
