Tenants: Keep Escape Routes Clear in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you rely on safe escape routes. Blocked stairwells or cluttered corridors endanger residents and can violate fire safety and house rules. This article clearly explains landlord and property manager obligations, how tenants can document violations, and whom to notify about these hazards. You will receive practical steps for safely reporting obstructions, pointers to relevant legal bases such as the BGB, and information on procedures with authorities or courts. The goal is for tenants to know how to make their living environment safer, use their rights, and act promptly without requiring legal expertise. Practical templates and form guidance are included.

What counts as a blocked escape route?

Escape routes include stairwells, emergency exits, rescue routes, and associated corridors. Obstructions such as parked furniture, bicycles, boxes, or locked emergency exits can present significant danger and prevent quick evacuation in case of fire. Disposed bulky waste or permanently blocked doors are also included. Pay special attention to shared routes and cellar exits.

Rights and obligations

Landlords are obliged to ensure usability and fire safety; key rules are found in the BGB.^[1] Tenants can issue a written defect notice and demand remediation within a deadline. If hazards exist or landlords do not respond, the public order office or the fire department is responsible; for civil claims and evictions the local district court handles the matter, with court procedures following the ZPO.^[2][3]

How to report blocked escape routes

Report hazards early and systematically so authorities or landlords can act.

• Document the obstruction with date, time and photos.
• Inform the landlord or property manager in writing and demand removal within a deadline.
• If there is no response, contact the local public order office or fire safety authority.
• In acute danger, call the fire brigade at 112 immediately.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the condition (photos, date, brief description and witnesses if possible).
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to landlord/property manager with a clear deadline for removal.
3. Step 3: If no remedy, report the obstruction to the public order office or fire safety authority; request binding measures.
4. Step 4: If unresolved, consider civil action at the competent district court (claim/enforcement under the ZPO); use the court's claim forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the landlord place items in the stairwell?

No, items that permanently block escape routes are generally not permitted and may have to be removed; first address the landlord.

2. Where do I report an immediate danger?

In case of immediate danger call the fire brigade (112). For non-emergency regulatory or fire safety issues contact the local public order office.

3. Which court is responsible for disputes?

The local district court (Amtsgericht) is usually the first civil instance for tenancy disputes; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation is the most important basis for reports and legal steps.
• Landlords are required by the BGB to ensure clear escape routes.
• In immediate danger, the fire brigade is the first point of contact.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 – Landlord obligations
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Court procedures
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Information and case law

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: BGB §535 (Landlord obligations)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: ZPO (Procedural law)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice – Jurisdiction and decisions