Tenant Mistakes with Parquet & Laminate in Germany
As a tenant in Germany you often face questions about parquet or laminate damage: who pays for scratches, who covers moisture damage, and how can I avoid being held responsible for normal wear and tear? This guide explains concrete mistakes tenants commonly make in 2025 and shows practical steps for damage documentation, timely written notification to the landlord and obtaining cost estimates. You will receive clear guidance on which evidence helps, which deadlines apply and when legal action is sensible. The goal is to avoid rental disputes and present your rights and duties clearly so you can handle floor covering damage in Germany with more confidence. Read on for practical tips.
Was sind häufige Fehler?
Viele Probleme entstehen durch fehlende oder unklare Dokumentation, späte Meldungen oder das falsche Einschätzen von Normalverschleiß. Verstehen Sie, welche Fehler Mieter am häufigsten machen:
- Failing to photograph scratches and label photos with dates.
- Reporting damages only at move-out instead of notifying immediately in writing.
- Carrying out repairs without estimates or landlord approval.
- Not obtaining witnesses or independent assessments for disputed damage.
- Failing to check the lease for clauses on cosmetic repairs and flooring.
Rechte, Pflichten und Fristen
As a tenant you have obligations to use the rented property carefully; at the same time the landlord has maintenance duties under the German Civil Code (BGB). [1] Notify damages in writing and request confirmation to prove deadlines. For self-repairs, check your contract: without consent the landlord may refuse cost coverage.
Wann ist eine Mietminderung möglich?
Significant impairments of usability (e.g., defective subfloor, major moisture) may justify a rent reduction. Observe the BGB conditions and BGH case law when calculating reduction amounts. [4]
Welche Gerichte sind zuständig?
Rental disputes are usually heard by the local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court (Landgericht) and principle issues to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). For procedural rules on eviction suits consult the ZPO. [2]
Konkrete Handlungsschritte bei Schäden
- Photograph damage spots from several angles and save original files with dates.
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord and request a response within a reasonable time.
- Obtain estimates or an independent expert opinion if necessary.
- Keep all receipts, invoices and correspondence.
Beispiele für Musterformulare und ihre Nutzung
Useful official templates: termination letters, simple defect notice forms and guidance on cost estimates. Use official templates when submitting terminations or formal remedies, and attach photos and evidence. A typical example: send a defect notice by registered mail with return receipt and attach three dated photos plus a cost estimate. This creates a robust file for later steps. [3]
FAQ
- Wer zahlt bei Parkettschäden?
- Grundsätzlich trägt der Vermieter die Instandhaltungspflicht, außer der Schaden geht über normale Abnutzung hinaus und wurde vom Mieter verursacht.
- Was ist normale Abnutzung?
- Normale Abnutzung umfasst alters- und nutzungsbedingte Gebrauchsspuren; grobe Schäden durch unsachgemäßen Gebrauch können kostenpflichtig sein.
- Wann sollte ich ein Gutachten anfordern?
- Wenn Vermieter und Mieter sich über Ursache oder Umfang der Schäden nicht einigen können, lohnt sich ein unabhängiges Gutachten.
Anleitung
- Photograph the damage and note the date.
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord.
- Collect receipts and estimates and keep them safe.
- In case of dispute: consider legal advice and possibly sue at the local court.
Hilfe und Unterstützung / Ressourcen
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de
- Bundesministerium der Justiz – bmj.de
