Tenants in Germany: Mail and Package Issues to Avoid

As a tenant in Germany, problems with mail and package delivery can quickly lead to misunderstandings with your landlord or neighbors. This guide explains in plain language which rights and duties tenants have, how to avoid common mistakes and resolve conflicts without escalation. You will find practical steps for documentation, how and when to send written notices, which official forms or deadlines matter and when legal action or involving the local court may be appropriate. The goal is to find solutions that secure your living situation and are legally sound—with concrete examples, checklists and pointers to authorities and forms in Germany. Read on for practical forms and contacts.

What tenants should watch for

As a tenant you have a duty of care regarding received mail and packages; the landlord must oversee the building properly and ensure habitability. For the legal basis of tenancy law, see the relevant provisions in the German Civil Code (BGB).^[1]

Common mistakes

• Not documenting: failing to record deliveries, photos, or witness statements.
• Not informing in writing: not sending complaints by letter or email to the landlord.
• Missing deadlines: letting response periods for defect notifications or collection expire.
• Leaving packages insecurely: leaving valuables in unprotected places.

Responding without escalation — practical steps

If a package is missing or mail is not delivered, act systematically: document, inform, set deadlines and, if necessary, involve authorities. The local court is often the first instance for tenancy disputes; proceedings follow the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2]

• Document the date, time and photos of the delivery situation.
• Send a brief written notice to the landlord with a request to investigate.
• Set a clear deadline (e.g. 7–14 days) for a response or investigation.
• Use neighbors or building management to try resolving the issue before escalation.

Forms and templates

For formal steps, templates or form letters can help, such as a template for a defect notification or a formal request to investigate. State the facts clearly, attach evidence and set a deadline. A termination letter is only appropriate in specific situations; templates and guidance for common forms are available from the responsible federal authorities.^[3]

How-To

1. Document: take photos, save delivery confirmations and note witnesses.
2. Inform in writing: send an email or letter to your landlord with attachments.
3. Set a deadline: specify a concrete deadline for a reply (e.g. 14 days).
4. Involve authorities: if problems persist, contact the local conciliation office or the local court.

FAQ

What can I do if a package never arrived?

Check tracking, document the situation, inform the landlord in writing immediately and file a complaint with the carrier.

Who is liable for letters lost in the stairwell?

Generally the sender is responsible toward the recipient; within the rental relationship the landlord may be liable if they breached duties.

When should I involve the local court?

If factual clarification, documentation and deadlines do not resolve the issue and it concerns compensable damage or eviction matters, the local court may be competent.

Help and Support / Resources

• Information on the BGB §§ 535–580a at Gesetze im Internet
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) at Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a on gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) on gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)