Tenants: Internet outage 2025 court-ready Germany

Many tenants in Germany increasingly rely on stable internet in 2025, for example for home office, homeschooling or electronic health services. When the internet fails, it can cause not only frustration but also financial damage and disputes with the landlord. This article explains how to document an internet outage so that evidence holds up in court: which data matters, how to record speedtests, log files, written notices to the provider and witnesses, meet deadlines and when legal steps at the local court are sensible. The guide is practical, avoids legal jargon and shows simple templates and steps so tenants can protect their rights in Germany and substantiate possible rent reductions or damage claims.

What to document

Start with a clear list of evidence. The more complete the collection, the better your chances of success in court.

• Date and time of the outage (start, end, duration).
• Speedtest results (screenshot with timestamp and server info).
• Router logs, error messages and status LED logs.
• Written contact attempts with the provider (emails, chat transcripts, registered mail).
• Support ticket numbers and provider confirmations.
• Concrete impacts (lost work hours, lost income, additional costs).
• Witness statements from flatmates or neighbors (short written note with contact details).

Evidence collection and deadlines

Record every action with a date. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and document communications with the provider. If you set deadlines for repairs or receive appointment dates, note when you were informed and which deadlines were missed. For legal proceedings, meeting deadlines is crucial; civil procedure rules apply.^[2]

• Send a written defect notice to landlord and provider and keep receipts.
• Log the time periods when service was impaired.
• Back up digital evidence (screenshots, log files) in multiple copies.
• Document financial losses with invoices or employer statements.

Official steps and forms

Many disputes are handled by the local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court and in rare instances to the Federal Court of Justice.^[3] There is no nationwide standard form for "rent reduction due to internet outage"; start with a written defect notice to landlord and provider. If you sue, file a complaint at the competent local court in accordance with procedural rules.^[2]

• Written defect notice (no single federal form): Use a short letter with date, description of the defect, a deadline for remedy and a request for confirmation; example: "Since 05/05/2025 the internet connection is unusable, please remedy by 05/12/2025."
• Complaint to the local court (civil procedure): If extrajudicial steps fail, you may file a claim for damages or declaratory relief; follow the ZPO requirements.^[2]
• Objections and remedies: Observe deadlines in enforcement or eviction matters and seek advice from a legal aid office if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reduce rent because of missing internet?

Yes, under certain conditions a rent reduction is possible if the usability of the rental unit is significantly impaired; see the provisions in the BGB (e.g. § 536 et seq.).^[1]

Do I have to inform the landlord first that the internet is missing?

Yes. Report the defect in writing and request remediation within a reasonable deadline. Document the report and do not delay further steps.

Which evidence is most important for court?

Timestamped speedtests, router logs, written contact records with provider and landlord and concrete proof of financial damage are particularly helpful.

How-To

1. Contact the provider immediately in writing and document time and response.
2. Perform multiple speedtests and save screenshots with date and time.
3. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord with a deadline and request confirmation.
4. Create a chronological log of all actions and responses.
5. Collect receipts for financial losses and additional costs.
6. If necessary, prepare and file a complaint at the local court including all evidence.^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Decisions