Tenants complain in Germany: Mail & Package Issues

As a tenant in Germany, you may sometimes encounter missing, damaged or delayed letters and packages. Such delivery problems affect not only private consignments but can also involve important deadlines, warnings or official correspondence. This guide explains in plain language what rights you have, what duties landlords and delivery services hold, and how to raise complaints in a factual and legally secure way. You will find practical steps for documentation, wording a written defect notice, keeping deadlines and—if necessary—seeking judicial clarification at the local court. The aim is to resolve disputes without unnecessary escalation and give families in Germany confidence in mail and package delivery.

Rights and Duties

The landlord must maintain the rented property in the agreed condition. Specific rules can be found in BGB §§ 535–580a^[1]. For court proceedings the ZPO^[2] applies. Important precedents are available from the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

How to File a Complaint Correctly

Act calmly: document the defect, inform the landlord in writing first and set a reasonable deadline for remedy. If a delivery service is involved, record the location, time and condition of the shipment.

• Set deadlines and document when they start.
• Collect photos and delivery proofs as evidence.
• Send a written defect notice to the landlord and, if necessary, to the delivery company.
• Contact neighbors or the building manager to clarify delivery issues.

Forms and Deadlines

There is no uniform "rent reduction" form; often a written letter suffices. Templates for terminations or formal letters are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection.^[4] For eviction or payment claims the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible and decides according to the ZPO.^[2]

• Termination letter (template) – use formally if contract breaches occur.
• Observe deadlines – set a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days) for remedy.
• Documentation sheet – note date, time, photos and witnesses.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent if letters or packages are missing?

A rent reduction is possible if mail and parcel delivery are part of the contractual rental use and the usage is substantially restricted; document the defect and inform the landlord.

Who is responsible for repeated failed deliveries?

Primarily the delivery company, and often the landlord if structural defects (e.g. no secure place for deliveries) exist; collect evidence.

When should I involve the local court (Amtsgericht)?

If deadlines pass without result and a claim for damages or eviction must be enforced, the local court is the correct venue for filing a suit.

How-To

1. Document the incident with date, time and photos.
2. Inform the landlord in writing and request remedy within a clear deadline.
3. Send a formal defect notice by registered mail or email with read receipt.
4. Secure all deadlines and prepare your evidence.
5. If necessary, file a lawsuit at the local court and attach your documentation as evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Thorough documentation is decisive for success in disputes.
• Always respect and maintain deadlines.
• Address the landlord and delivery service early.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a (Gesetze im Internet)
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] ZPO - Code of Civil Procedure - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice - bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection - bmjv.de