Tenants: Handle Natural Damage Quickly in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to act quickly when natural damage occurs, especially if you are a student with limited funds. This guide explains clearly how to report damage, secure photos and receipts, observe deadlines, and communicate with household or liability insurance and the landlord. You will learn what rights you have under tenancy law, which forms or template letters are useful, and when going to the local court may be necessary. Concrete steps help speed up repairs, check rent reduction options, and reduce financial burdens. At the end you will find FAQs, a step-by-step guide, and official links for forms.

What to do after natural damage

Act promptly: secure the apartment, prevent further damage and document everything. Report the damage immediately to the landlord and your household or liability insurer. Provide date, cause and extent of the damage and attach photos. Notes on tenancy rights can be found in the BGB ^[1].

First steps (short term)

• Take immediate photos of all affected areas and create a list of damaged items.
• Inform the landlord in writing and request prompt drying or repair measures.
• Contact your household insurance and check coverage and reporting deadlines.
• Observe deadlines for reporting and evidence preservation so claims are not forfeited.

If there is water damage or flooding, initiate measures against mold and moisture immediately. If necessary, have defects confirmed in writing (e.g., by a technician note or landlord confirmation).

Rights and possible next steps after initial contact

As a tenant you are entitled to repairs and a habitable apartment under tenancy law. If repairs are delayed or the apartment becomes uninhabitable, a rent reduction may be considered; check the requirements carefully and document scope and duration of the impairment. In case of disputes the local court may have jurisdiction; procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) ^[2].

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for damage from floods or heavy rain?

Responsibility depends on the insurance contract and cause of damage: household insurance covers movable items, the landlord is responsible for building repairs; clarify coverage with your insurer.

Can I reduce the rent if the apartment is partially unusable?

Yes, if usability is impaired, a rent reduction may be possible; the amount depends on the extent and should be justified with documentation.

When is the local court (Amtsgericht) competent?

The local court decides common tenancy disputes such as rent reduction, termination or eviction suits; higher dispute values go to the next instance.

How-To

1. Document: date photos, inventory list and damages.
2. Report damage: send written notice to landlord and insurer.
3. Insurance: file a coverage inquiry and damage report.
4. Observe deadlines: meet insurer reporting deadlines and legal timelines.
5. Legal steps: if repairs are refused, consider rent reduction or filing a claim at the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Photos and receipts are essential for insurance and tenancy claims.
• Written notifications to landlord and insurer protect your rights.
• Observe reporting deadlines to avoid losing claims.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB (Tenancy law, §§ 535–580a)
• Gesetze im Internet – Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice – decisions