Tenant Rent Reduction for Internet Outages in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the problem that internet outages become a daily issue and prevent use for work, school or daily organization. Before you claim a rent reduction, you should document the outage systematically: duration, times, error messages, attempts to contact landlord and provider. This article explains which timely steps are necessary, which official forms and courts are responsible and how to secure evidence sensibly. The language remains easy to understand so that families without legal background can assert their rights on rent reduction for internet problems confidently. At the end you will find practical sample forms, notes on local courts and the most important legal bases. Read on for concrete examples and step-by-step instructions.

What to do for an internet outage?

Act systematically: note start, end and frequency of outages, save router error messages and document phone calls with provider and landlord. Landlord obligations are regulated in the provisions on rental matters, especially in §§ 535–580a of the BGB.^[1]

Immediate steps

• Record date, time and duration of each outage immediately.
• Contact the internet provider and note down outage reports and ticket numbers.
• Take photos of error messages and capture log files or screenshots.
• Inform the landlord in writing (email or letter) and request remediation.

Deadlines and formalities

Send a clear defect notice with a deadline for remedy. If the landlord does not act, you may claim a proportional rent reduction or have the defect remedied and reclaim costs. Rental disputes are usually heard in the local court (Amtsgericht).^[2]

• Set a reasonable deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days).
• Keep all receipts in case costs arise.
• Only carry out necessary repairs after agreement to avoid later disputes.

FAQ

Can I as a tenant immediately reduce the rent?

You can reduce the rent if there is a significant loss of use. The landlord must be informed first; documented evidence strengthens your position.

What role does the internet provider play?

The provider is responsible for the function, but the landlord must ensure a habitable apartment; both can be held responsible.

Where do I turn in case of dispute?

Rental disputes are usually the responsibility of local courts; larger legal questions can go up to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).

How-To

1. Document the outage immediately with date, time and duration.
2. Contact the provider and note all case numbers.
3. Write a defect notice to the landlord with a deadline.
4. Secure evidence such as screenshots, emails and invoices.
5. If escalated, prepare court documents and follow the ZPO procedures.^[3]

Help and Support / Resources

• § 535 BGB and related rental regulations
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - rental law decisions
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Jurisdiction of local courts - Justizportal
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet