Tenants: Keep Escape Routes Clear in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany you should know how important it is to keep escape routes clear at all times and to document violations. Missing documentation or unclear photos are common reasons why justified complaints fail. This guide explains in practical terms which mistakes to avoid in 2025: how to gather evidence, meet deadlines and which official steps are possible in court. The language stays simple and is aimed at tenants without legal background. At the end you will find checklists, templates and pointers to responsible authorities so you can assert your rights in tenancy law.

What counts as an escape route?

Escape routes are generally accessible paths that lead people quickly out of a building to the outside. In the rental context this includes hallways, stairwells and emergency exits; such areas must not be permanently blocked by furniture, bicycles or boxes. The obligations to keep escape routes usable arise from safety regulations and general tenancy law (BGB §§ 535–580a).^[1]

Typical documentation errors

Many tenants make the same mistakes when collecting evidence. Often photos lack dates, descriptions are incomplete or witness statements are missing, which is why a complaint to the landlord or a lawsuit at the local court may be insufficient. Pay attention to completeness and traceability.

• Take photos and videos with dates and store them securely.
• Send a written report to the landlord and document receipt.
• Note deadlines: when was reported and what response was missing.
• Name witnesses and keep their contact details.

Concrete steps before filing a complaint

Before taking formal steps, collect evidence and inform the landlord in writing. Specify location, date, consequences for safety and request removal of the obstruction within a reasonable deadline. If there is no response, you can consider further measures and, if necessary, sue at the competent local court.^[2]

Which forms and applications are relevant?

For tenants, the following official forms may be relevant:

• Application for legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe, PKH): Use if you cannot afford court costs; example: you file an eviction-related claim and apply for PKH at the competent court.
• Statement of claim (Klageschrift, ZPO): A written statement of claim is required for an eviction suit or other tenancy lawsuit; example: you demand removal of obstructions and an injunction at the local court.

FAQ

May I place items in the hallway that block escape routes?

No. Items in the hallway must not permanently block escape routes; if in doubt, the landlord must be requested to remedy the situation.

How do I document obstructions correctly?

Photograph the situation with a date, save copies and send a written request to the landlord with a deadline.

Who decides disputes about escape routes?

Disputes are usually decided by the competent local court; legal issues may be appealed up to the Federal Court of Justice.^[2]

How-To

1. Create photo and video evidence: take multiple shots from different angles.
2. Document date and time: note them or use device timestamps.
3. Send a written notice to the landlord: describe the problem and set a deadline.
4. Name witnesses: ask neighbors for short written confirmations where possible.
5. Consider next steps: if no remedy follows, examine legal action at the local court.^[3]

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] Bundesgerichtshof – Rechtsprechung (bundesgerichtshof.de)
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Ablauf gerichtlicher Verfahren (gesetze-im-internet.de)