Tenant Rights 2025: Renters in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you face decisions when your bicycle is stolen or damage occurs. This guide explains in clear language the roles of liability and household insurance, when you should inform your landlord and how to secure evidence. I describe practical steps for filing a claim, which official forms to use and how the local court intervenes in rental disputes. You will also receive tips on meeting deadlines, communicating with the police and checking insurance coverage. The goal is that you can make informed decisions without a lawyer and enforce your rights cost-effectively.

What to do for bicycle theft & insurance?

First check your insurance contracts: household insurance often covers bicycle theft inside the apartment, in a locked cellar or in certain parking places, while liability insurance usually covers damage to third parties, not theft of your own bike. Inform the insurer in writing and request confirmation of receipt. If the theft occurred on the landlord's property, also inform the landlord—his obligations arise from tenancy law.^[1]

1. Report to the police immediately and note the file number.
2. Secure photos, purchase receipts, serial numbers and witness statements.
3. Inform your household insurer in writing and attach the police report.
4. Record date, time and place of the theft and any defects on the property.
5. Keep track of deadlines for claims and insurer responses.
6. If necessary, demand written reimbursement or compensation from the landlord.

Lawyer? Local court and formal steps

Not every case requires a lawyer. If the insurer refuses payment or the landlord violates duties requiring consent, court action may become necessary. Tenancy disputes for tenants are heard in the first instance at the competent local court (Amtsgericht); procedural rules are set out in the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2] The Federal Court of Justice decides on fundamental legal questions and precedents.^[3]

Important forms and templates

• Police report ("Anzeige bei der Polizei") – immediately after theft for documentation.
• Written claim to the household insurer (template letter) – include the police file number and evidence.
• Complaint form / application at the local court (for claims for compensation or eviction) – only if out-of-court solutions fail.

FAQ

Does my household insurance cover bicycle theft outside the home?

That depends on the tariff: many household policies pay for theft from a locked cellar or bike storage room, some offer additional cover for bicycles away from home. Check your policy and provide the police report.

Am I obliged to inform the landlord?

Yes, if the theft occurred on the rental property or was facilitated by a defect in security installations, you should inform the landlord as this may trigger obligations to remedy defects.^[1]

Is a lawyer worth it if the insurer refuses?

Often a formal letter can achieve a lot. In case of persistent refusal, an initial consultation is worthwhile; where the law is unclear, court proceedings at the local court may follow.^[2]

How-To

1. Police: File a report immediately and note the file number.
2. Documentation: Take photos and collect purchase receipts and serial numbers.
3. Insurance: Send the written claim to your household insurer with the police report attached.
4. Landlord: Inform the landlord in writing if the rental property was affected.
5. Legal steps: If refused, consider filing a claim at the local court.^[2]

Help and Support

• Forms and templates: Federal service portal for official forms and guidance.
• Laws: Overview of tenancy law in the German Civil Code (BGB).
• Courts: Federal Court of Justice and court jurisdiction information.

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Regelungen zu Klagen — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Entscheidungen zum Mietrecht — bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Service-Portal für Formulare — service.bund.de