Tenants: Evidence for Window and Door Seals in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should always carefully document damage or faulty seals on windows and doors. Good documentation helps enforce your tenant rights, avoid disputes with the landlord and, if necessary, provide evidence for rent reduction or repairs. Note date and time, take sharp photos from multiple angles and save all messages in writing. If deadlines apply or the landlord does not respond, the local court (Amtsgericht) can decide in rental disputes; timely evidence strengthens your position. This guide explains clearly which documents are useful, how to prepare formal letters and which official laws and forms are relevant.^[1]

Rights and Obligations

Landlords have basic maintenance obligations under the German Civil Code (BGB) and tenants have rights to habitable premises; relevant rules are particularly found in §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] For court actions, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply.^[2] In practice this means: document, set deadlines and prove formal notifications.

• Photos and videos from multiple angles, dated and well lit
• Date and time of each observation and measurement
• All written communications to the landlord (email, letter, registered mail)
• Cost estimates or repair offers
• Witness statements or neighbor logs for recurring problems

Documenting: Practical Steps

How to collect evidence that holds up in court or negotiations: always photograph from multiple perspectives, take close-ups of seal tears or mold spots, record measurements (e.g., humidity, temperature) and keep original files unchanged. Name files with date and brief description. Keep a short chronological log of events and actions taken.

• Keep original photo files and store a backup
• Document measurement values (humidity, temperature) with location notes
• Save correspondence and send registered mail if necessary
• Set deadlines: give the landlord a reasonable period to repair

Forms and Deadlines

Official templates and guidance for formal letters and possible claims are available from the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection.^[3] For contentious legal questions or precedent, rulings from the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) can be decisive.^[4] Strictly observe deadlines: missing a deadline can affect your rights.

FAQ

Who pays for the repair of the seal?

In principle, the landlord is responsible for maintenance, unless the damage was caused by the tenant's negligent behavior.

Can I reduce the rent because of leaking windows?

Yes, if the usability is significantly impaired, a rent reduction may be justified; the amount depends on the extent of the impairment.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Give the landlord a reasonable written deadline to remedy the defect; document everything and consider legal steps if there is no response.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: photos, videos and measurements with dates
2. Create a chronological log
3. Notify the landlord in writing and set a clear deadline
4. If there is no response: send a reminder and adjust the deadline as needed
5. As a last resort: consider filing a claim at the competent local court

Key Takeaways

• Early and complete documentation protects your rights.
• Setting written deadlines is often required before legal action.
• Official forms and laws help you prepare correctly.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet — BGB §§ 535–580a
• Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz — Forms
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Rental law decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz — Muster & Formulare
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Decisions on tenancy law