Tenants in Germany: Report Gas Smell in High-Rises

A gas smell in a stairwell or an apartment in a high-rise is alarming for tenants in Germany and can be immediately dangerous. As a tenant, you should know which immediate measures protect life, how to notify landlords and emergency services, and how to securely document evidence. This practical guide explains clearly when to call the fire brigade/emergency number, when to leave the apartment, how to prepare a written defect notice and which legal bases such as the BGB support your rights. The aim is to give you clear steps so you can act calmly, meet deadlines and be better prepared in case of a dispute. I also describe how to store documents and which courts and forms are relevant.

What to do if you smell gas in a high-rise?

When there is a strong gas smell every minute counts. Follow these immediate measures and inform the responsible authorities.

• Call the fire brigade/emergency number 112 immediately if the smell is strong or people have symptoms such as nausea or dizziness.
• Leave the building calmly; avoid open flames and do not operate electrical switches.
• Notify the landlord or property management immediately by phone and additionally in writing.
• Document date, time, location, photos and names of witnesses as evidence.

Rights and duties of tenants

Landlords are obliged to maintain the rental property in a condition suitable for contractual use; tenants must report defects. The German Civil Code regulates these duties and rights, for example concerning remediation and rent reduction ^[1]. A formal written defect notice facilitates subsequent steps.

Documenting: Checklist for tenants

Good documentation is crucial if you later need to assert claims.

• Photograph odor areas, doors, meter readings and damage.
• Note dates and exact times of the smell and notifications.
• Send the defect notice in writing, preferably by registered mail or e-mail with read receipt.
• Collect witness names and contact details for statements.

Which authorities and courts are responsible?

In acute danger, call rescue services or the fire brigade. For legal disputes about defects, rent reduction or compensation claims, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible; appeals go to higher courts and the BGH can decide on legal questions ^[2][3]. Proceedings follow the Civil Procedure Code.

FAQ

When should I call the fire brigade?

Call the fire brigade/emergency number 112 immediately if the smell is strong, gas is visibly leaking or people show symptoms; when in doubt, the emergency number is always the right choice.

Is a verbal report to the landlord sufficient?

A verbal report is useful for quick warning, but a written defect notice is important for evidentiary purposes and deadlines.

Can I reduce the rent if nothing happens?

A rent reduction may be possible if the defect significantly impairs usability; document everything and seek legal advice.

How-To

1. Make an immediate record of date, time, location and specific observations.
2. Call emergency number 112 if needed and inform the landlord by phone, noting names and times.
3. Within 24 hours send a written defect notice to the landlord/property manager by registered mail or e-mail with confirmation of receipt.
4. If the landlord does not respond, prepare documents for a claim at the local court and consider legal advice.

Key takeaways

• In immediate danger prioritize people and call emergency services.
• Thorough documentation is the basis for enforcing rights.
• Send a written defect notice and observe deadlines; use legal channels if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection — bmjv.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de