Tenant Rights in Germany: Bicycle Theft 2025

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to know how to react quickly and legally when a bicycle is stolen. This guide is aimed especially at students and other tenants who need to secure their bike, file a police report and check claims with their household insurance. We explain clearly which evidence you should collect, which deadlines apply and when it makes sense to consider legal steps. We also name the competent courts and relevant legal provisions so you know where to find support. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, concrete tips for the police report and links to official authorities in Germany. This text also explains how to structure documentation for insurers and courts.

What to do in case of bicycle theft?

Immediate measures help both for replacement via household insurance and for possible police investigations. Stay calm, secure evidence and inform responsible parties such as the property management and roommates.

• Report the theft to the police immediately and request a case number.^[3]
• Secure photos of the stolen bike, the parking spot and any lock remnants as evidence.
• Note date, time and possible witnesses and the last known location of the bicycle.
• Inform your household insurance promptly and ask which documents are required for the claim.

Legal basis and jurisdiction

Under German tenancy law, the provisions of the Civil Code (BGB) regulate landlord and tenant obligations; they are relevant when communal storage areas are affected.^[1] Courts responsible for tenancy disputes are generally local courts (Amtsgericht) in the first instance, higher instances are regional courts (Landgericht) and, for appeals, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[2]

Common liability scenarios

• Theft from a private basement room: Check whether household insurance may provide compensation.
• Theft in a communal bike room: Questions about the duty of care may arise.
• Theft from a public bike rack: primarily a police and insurance matter.

If you are unsure whether the landlord had a duty to secure the area better, document the state of the storage area and any prior reports to the property management.

Collecting evidence and documentation

Good documentation increases the chances of compensation or success in court. Create a file with photos, serial numbers, purchase receipts and the police case number.

• Take photos of the bike rack, lock remnants and surroundings.
• Scan or photograph receipts, invoices and maintenance records.
• Record witnesses with contact details and save digital messages that prove usage.

FAQ

Who is liable for a stolen bicycle?

Liability depends on the location, security measures and responsibilities. Often household insurance is the first point of contact; the landlord may be liable in case of breaches of duty by property management.

Do I always need a police report?

Yes, a police report is important for insurance and later claims. Obtain the case number and confirmation.

Which deadlines must I observe?

Report the damage to the police immediately and inform your household insurance within the timeframe required by your policy, usually days to weeks.

How-To

1. Secure evidence: photos, serial numbers and purchase receipts.
2. Report to the police immediately and note the case number.^[3]
3. Notify your household insurance and submit the required documents.
4. Inform the property management and ask about existing security measures.
5. Consider whether civil action at the local court is appropriate.

Help and Support / Resources

• Police: Guidance on reporting theft
• Civil Code (BGB) – tenancy-relevant provisions
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – litigation procedures
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – important tenancy rulings

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Police: Information on filing a report — polizei.de