Tenants in Germany: Report Gas Smell Safely

What to do if you smell gas?

If you, as a tenant in Germany, detect a gas smell, act calmly but promptly. If necessary, leave the apartment, avoid open flames and switching electrical devices, and inform the emergency services or the gas supplier immediately.

• Leave the apartment: Get yourself and others to safety.
• No ignition sources: Do not use candles, lighters or operate electric switches.
• Call emergency services and supplier: Dial 112 and notify the local gas network operator.
• Inform landlord/property manager: Report the incident in writing and by phone and note names and times.
• Document: Note location, time, smell intensity and take photos if safely possible.

Forms & legal basis

Your rights as a tenant are based on the German Civil Code, in particular the provisions on tenancy (§§ 535–580a BGB).^[1] If a defect affects habitability, rent reduction or further legal action may be examined.

Concrete sample forms, such as a termination letter or a defect notification template, are officially available; for example, a termination letter template from the Federal Ministry of Justice.^[2] Use templates only adapted to your case and include date, time and all evidence.

Who to notify?

Report gas smell first to emergency services at 112 and to the responsible gas network operator. For supply issues, technical causes or recurring hazards, the Federal Network Agency provides contact and complaint channels.^[3] If the landlord does not react, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible for tenancy disputes; in severe cases, higher courts up to the Federal Court of Justice may become involved.

FAQ

How can I tell if it is really gas?

A typical sign is a pungent, slightly sweet odor or an added warning substance. If you hear continuous hissing or experience physical symptoms, leave the apartment immediately and call emergency services.

Who should I inform first?

First call emergency services (112) if there is immediate danger, then the local gas network operator and your landlord in writing and by phone. Documentation is important.

Can I reduce my rent?

If the use of the apartment is significantly affected, rent reduction may be possible; check the legal situation and document the defect carefully.

How-To

1. Assess the situation: Do you smell gas strongly or hear hissing?
2. Warn residents and leave the apartment: Close doors but do not lock them.
3. Call emergency services 112 and inform the gas network operator.
4. Inform landlord and property manager in writing and by phone.
5. Document times, photos and witnesses and keep all reports.
6. Consider legal steps: rent reduction, lawyer or local court if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Network Agency – bundesnetzagentur.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – bmjv.de

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – bmjv.de
3. [3] Federal Network Agency – bundesnetzagentur.de