Tenant Rights for Power Outages in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany you should be prepared for a power outage: document damage, keep an event log and inform the landlord in writing. Systematic documentation helps with rent reduction, claims for damages or court proceedings. Note the date and time, take clear photos and keep receipts for costs. Check the outage with your grid operator and secure important personal property. If appliances fail or perishable food spoils, record losses and report the damage immediately. These tips explain practical deadlines, formal steps and official legal bases so you can enforce your rights as a tenant clearly and securely.

What tenants can do now

Act quickly and in an orderly fashion: first secure evidence, then inform the landlord and document consequential costs. Incomplete or late reporting weakens later claims. Record date, time and duration of the outage and check for consequential problems such as failed heating, elevators or damaged appliances.

First steps for documentation

• Immediately note the date and time of the outage.
• Take photos and videos of damaged appliances, fuses and food.
• Send a written defect notice to the landlord (registered mail or email with delivery receipt).
• Collect all receipts for costs (replacement purchases, restaurant receipts, repair invoices).
• Contact the grid operator and document outage reports.

Structure documentation correctly

Use an event log (date, time, duration, affected rooms/appliances, contact persons). Organize photos chronologically and name files with date and short description. For perishable food note quantity, approximate cost and storage type.

• Event log: clear, chronological, dated.
• Media: photos with timestamp and short damage descriptions.
• Cost list: record all expenses with receipts.
• Communication: keep copies of all messages to landlord and grid operator.

Rights, deadlines and legal bases

Tenant law provisions are regulated in the German Civil Code; particularly relevant are provisions on rent reduction and maintenance such as §§ 535–580a BGB^[1]. If you pursue claims in court, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply^[2]. For legal questions or if the landlord does not respond, a suit can be filed at the competent local court; higher instances are the regional court and, if applicable, the Federal Court of Justice for matters of fundamental importance^[3].

Important notes on forms and evidence

There is no unified federal form for rent reduction or damage reports; formal requirements are to communicate in a way that is provable. For court proceedings, a written claim filing at the competent local court under the rules of the CPC is usually sufficient^[2]. In your message to the landlord, state the defect, the time and a deadline for rectification. If eviction or enforcement is threatened, the local court is responsible^[4].

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if the power goes out?

Yes, a rent reduction is possible if the usability of the apartment is significantly impaired. Documentation and timely notification of defects to the landlord are prerequisites.

How do I best document damage?

Keep a log with date and time, take photos and videos, collect receipts and save all messages to the landlord and grid operator.

Who do I contact in case of a prolonged outage?

First contact the grid operator, then the landlord in writing; if no solution follows, inform the local court or seek legal advice where appropriate.

How-To

1. Note date, time and duration of the outage immediately.
2. Take photos and videos of damage and affected appliances.
3. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and document the dispatch.
4. Collect all receipts for replacement purchases and additional costs.
5. Contact the grid operator and note outage reference numbers.
6. If necessary, consider filing a claim at the local court and prepare evidence.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet (Federal) - Legal texts
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions
• Justice Portal of the Federal Government and the Länder

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Justice Portal of the Federal Government and the Länder – justiz.de