Tenants: Prove Internet Outage in Germany 2025

If the internet connection in your apartment fails or works only very poorly, it can seriously disrupt daily life and work. As a tenant in Germany you have rights: you can document the outage, inform the landlord and, under certain conditions, claim a rent reduction. This article explains step by step which technical proofs are useful, which formal notifications to the landlord and the provider are necessary and how to meet deadlines with the landlord. You will also find practical advice on which forms and which courts are responsible, how to archive evidence securely and when a lawsuit at the local court or advice from a legal office is advisable.

Which evidence helps with internet outages?

The key principle is: document systematically. Your landlord is obliged to keep the rented property in a contractually compliant condition; prolonged outages can create grounds for claims.^[1]

• Speed test results with date and time (e.g. Ookla/fast.com).
• Screenshots or photos of error messages, router LEDs or connection drops.
• Log files, router logs and records of connection interruptions.
• Emails or chat histories with the provider, including timestamps.

How to report the outage formally?

Inform the provider first, then the landlord in writing. A short, clear defect notice with a deadline is often enough to prompt the landlord to act.

• Written defect notice to the landlord by email and registered mail (state the date).
• Set a deadline: give the landlord a reasonable period (e.g. 14 days) to fix the problem.
• In parallel: report the outage to the provider and request a confirmation of the fault.

When is a court competent?

If the landlord or provider does not respond, you can have claims examined out of court or file a lawsuit at the competent local court. Jurisdictions and procedures are governed by civil procedural law; in many tenancy disputes the local court is the first instance.^[2]

• File a claim for rent reduction or damages at the local court.
• For legal questions, a legal protection insurer or consumer advice center can provide initial guidance.

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent because of an internet outage?

Yes, if the outage affects the usability of the rented property and the landlord does not act within a reasonable period, a rent reduction may be possible. The basis is the landlord's general duties.^[1]

Which deadline should I set?

A deadline of 10 to 14 days is common in practice, depending on the severity of the impairment. Document the deadline and the type of outage precisely.

Are there sample forms for the defect notice?

Yes, the Federal Ministry of Justice provides general guidance and templates for letters; adapt these to your case.^[3]

How-To

1. Collect evidence: run speed tests, take screenshots and save log files with date and time.
2. Inform the provider: report the outage and request a confirmation of the fault.
3. Inform the landlord in writing: send a defect notice with a deadline.
4. Wait the deadline: observe the set period and continue to document outages.
5. Enforce your rights: consider filing a claim or seeking advice at the local court if the landlord does not react.

Key Takeaways

• Thorough documentation is crucial for rent reduction claims or lawsuits.
• A written defect notice with a deadline creates proof and pressure to resolve the issue.
• If there is no response, the local court is the first point of judicial contact.

Help and Support

• Federal Ministry of Justice (forms & guidance)
• Gesetze im Internet (BGB)
• Federal Court of Justice (decisions)

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1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) – §§ 535–580a, gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Competence of local courts, justiz.de
3. [3] Template forms and guidance, BMJ (Federal Ministry of Justice), bmj.de