Tenant Mistakes During Internet Outages in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, an internet outage can quickly disrupt daily life and create uncertainty about rights and obligations. Many tenants make simple mistakes: they do not document outages sufficiently, inform the landlord too late, or negotiate without clear demands. In this guide we explain in plain language which steps under tenancy law in the BGB should be observed, how to secure evidence, which forms and deadlines are important, and when a rent reduction may be possible. The goal is for you as a tenant to strengthen your position, avoid legal action when possible, or be prepared and conduct communication with the landlord efficiently and in a legally secure way. We provide sample texts, deadlines and negotiation examples.

What tenants should do during an internet outage

In the event of an outage or recurring disruptions, a structured approach helps: document quickly, inform provider and landlord, set deadlines and check possible reduction claims. Legal foundations can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB) regarding landlord obligations and tenant defect rights^[1].

• Document date, time and duration of each disruption as well as screenshots or test logs.
• Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and the internet provider and request a deadline for repair.
• Contact the provider in writing and by phone and note call times and contacts.
• Set clear deadlines (e.g., 14 days) for remedy and announce that you will consider further steps if not remedied.
• Examine the possibility of a rent reduction and record any financial losses.

When informing the landlord, describe the defect factually, attach evidence and state a reasonable deadline for repair. If the landlord does not respond, the next step is to collect all documents for possible legal enforcement.

Forms and templates

Initially, an informal written letter (defect notice) is often sufficient. For court action, use the relevant forms at the local Amtsgericht; these and information on procedures are available on the justice portal^[3].

• Defect notice (sample): State date, exact description of the fault, evidence and a clear deadline. Example: "Since 01/05/2025 no stable connection, attached: speedtests, contact log. Deadline: 14 days to remedy."
• Lawsuit form (civil claim) at the Amtsgericht: Required if out-of-court solutions fail; the form is available at the local court or on the justice pages^[3]. Example: Claim for injunction and damages after failed grace periods.
• Evidence overview (own template): List with date/time, type of disruption, proof (screenshot/speedtest) and contact log with provider and landlord.

Legal basics on landlord and tenant obligations and rent reduction are regulated in the BGB; check especially the sections on defects and rent reduction^[1].

How-To

1. Notify the internet provider in writing and simultaneously the landlord; request a remedy deadline, e.g., 14 days.
2. Document all disruptions with date, time, duration and evidence (screenshots, speedtests, emails).
3. Calculate a possible rent reduction proportionally and note financial damages or extra costs.
4. If deadlines pass without result, consider legal enforcement at the local Amtsgericht; present all documents in order.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if the internet fails?

Yes, a rent reduction may be possible if the internet connection is part of the contractual use and the living value is impaired; document outages and inform the landlord in writing.^[1]

Who is responsible for disputes about rent reduction?

In legal disputes, the local Amtsgericht often decides in the first instance; higher instances are the Landgericht and, if applicable, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[3]

What deadline should I set before taking further steps?

Common deadlines are 7 to 14 days to remedy the defect; for more complex issues a longer period may be appropriate—document your reasons.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions
• Justice Portal – Court information and forms

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions
3. [3] Justice Portal – Information on courts and forms