Tenants in Germany: Keep High-Rise Escape Routes Clear
As a tenant in Germany it is important to keep escape routes in high-rise buildings clear — not only out of consideration but because there are legal duties and safety standards. This guide explains in plain language which typical mistakes occur, how to avoid trip hazards and stored items, what cooperation duties landlords and tenants have and which deadlines apply for official measures. You will receive a practical checklist for daily behavior, advice on documenting obstacles and concrete steps if the landlord or property management does not respond. Additionally, we explain how to contact authorities and the local court, which evidence is useful and which fines or penalties may apply.[1]
Why escape routes must stay clear
Clear escape routes are a matter of safety for all residents. Blocked stairwells and emergency exits endanger lives, make it harder for rescue services to act and can lead to fines or orders by authorities. This is especially relevant in high-rise buildings with many residents where evacuations are more complex. Guidelines and duties arise among other sources from general duties to ensure safety and tenancy law under the BGB.[1]
Typical tenant mistakes
- Permanently storing bicycles, strollers or bags of rubbish in the stairwell
- Storing furniture in the corridor during moves and not removing it promptly
- Placing repair materials or bulky waste in escape routes
- Not leaving instructions for visitors so that access ways or emergency exits are blocked
- Failing to report when third parties (e.g. service providers) repeatedly obstruct escape routes
What you should do as a tenant
If you notice an obstacle in an escape route, document date, time and take photos. Inform the property management or your landlord in writing first and set a reasonable deadline for removal. Keep copies of messages and photos; they are important if a legal dispute arises. If nothing happens within the deadline, follow the steps to report to the responsible authorities or the local court.[2]
- Document: photos, date, witnesses and any damage
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord/property management
- Set a deadline (e.g. 7–14 days depending on urgency)
- Check the local court options and consider legal action if there is no response[3]
Rights and duties: What the law says
In tenancy law the BGB regulates the landlord's duty to provide and maintain the rented property and the tenant's cooperation obligations. If safety is endangered, authorities can step in and issue orders. If you consider legal action, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) are relevant for lawsuits before the local court.[1][2]
Practical checklist for tenants
- Do not store items permanently in the stairwell
- Photographically document obstacles
- Report defects in writing and set a deadline
- In case of danger contact fire brigade or police (emergency 112)
FAQ
- Who is liable if an item in the escape route causes damage?
- In principle the person responsible for the obstacle who caused it or did not remove it is liable; liability issues can be complex and depend on the individual case.
- Can the landlord prohibit storing bicycles in the stairwell?
- Yes, the landlord can enforce rules in the interest of safety; however, measures must be proportionate and not arbitrary.
- What should I do if the property manager does not respond?
- Send another written request, document everything and, if necessary, contact the local court or the responsible authority.
How-To
- Take photos of the obstacle and note date and time.
- Write a formal defect notice to the landlord/property management and set a deadline.
- Contact the fire brigade or police in case of danger and contact the responsible authority if there is no response.
- Consider legal action before the local court if all other measures fail.[3]
Help and Support
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
- Information on courts and responsibilities – Justiz
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions
