Tenant: Prove Internet Outage in Germany

As a tenant in Germany it is important to document an internet outage carefully before negotiating with the landlord or provider. Collect clear photos of devices, screenshots of error messages, timestamps and connection tests as well as log files and records, and note exact time periods and effects on your housing use. These documents help to explain the defect under § 535 BGB and prepare possible rent reductions or claims for damages^[1]. Contact the internet provider in writing first, then inform the landlord with all evidence. Keep copies of all messages and ask about deadlines and formal steps for possible legal action in Germany. Also use independent measurement services and record calls including contact person and time.

Evidence that matters

Collect evidence systematically: date and time, photos of routers and display elements, screenshots from the browser or speed tests, and exported router or system logs. Note how long the outage lasted and which rooms or devices were affected.

• Photos of the router, connected devices and error messages with date stamp.
• Screenshots of browser errors, VPN logs and speed test results.
• Router or system logs as file export or photo of the log view.
• Written communication with the internet provider and response times as copies.
• Notes on the impact on work, home office or daily use.

Legal basis & competent authorities

The tenant obligations and defect rules are set out in the Civil Code (BGB), especially regarding obligations and rent reduction^[1]. In court disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance, with appeals to the regional court (Landgericht) and, for precedent, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH). The rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply to civil proceedings^[2]. Decisive interpretations in tenancy law are issued by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3].

Important forms

As a tenant, the following official steps/forms may be relevant:

• Application for legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe, PKH) at the competent court if you cannot finance court proceedings yourself.
• Civil complaint form for proceedings at the local court if an out-of-court agreement fails.
• Written defect notification to the landlord (no official form, but formal documentation is recommended); send the notice by registered mail or by email with read receipt.

FAQ

How do I best prove an internet outage?

Best with photos, screenshots, speed tests, router logs and written contact with provider and landlord. Keep dates and impacts written down.

Can I reduce rent because of missing internet?

Under certain conditions yes: if a significant defect exists, a rent reduction may be possible. Legal assessment depends on extent and duration of the outage.

Where do I turn in case of dispute?

Try to reach an agreement first; if needed the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent, later the regional court and the BGH for legal questions.

How-To

1. Observe and note start, end and frequency of the outage.
2. Create evidence: photos, screenshots, speed tests and router logs.
3. Contact the provider in writing, request a repair and document the response.
4. Inform the landlord in writing, attach evidence and set a reasonable deadline.
5. Consider legal steps, application for PKH or filing a complaint at the local court if no solution is reached.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO) - Official law texts
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Case law
• Justice portal (courts and forms)

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de