Tenants: Report Gas Smell Safely in Germany

As a tenant in Germany it is important to know how to react if you detect a gas smell in your apartment. This practical guide explains clearly which immediate measures you should take, how to safely report the incident to the fire service or supplier, what information to give your landlord in writing and how to document damage. We describe deadlines, common mistakes tenants can avoid, and explain when a rent reduction or legal action makes sense. The language stays practical and jargon-free so tenants can act quickly and protect their rights. At the end you will find a FAQ, a step-by-step guide and references to official bodies such as the local court and the Federal Court of Justice.

What to do if you smell gas?

If you notice a gas smell, remain calm, warn others and avoid dangerous actions. Legally, landlord obligations for maintenance and hazard removal fall under the BGB (German Civil Code, §§ 535–580a)^[1], and in escalations the local court (Amtsgericht) handles tenancy disputes^[2]. For precedent and major rulings the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) may provide guidance^[3].

• Call emergency number 112 in immediate danger and leave the apartment.
• Do not operate electrical switches or devices to avoid sparks.
• Inform the gas supplier and, if available, the network operator's emergency number immediately.
• Contact your landlord by phone and follow up with a written defect notice.
• Document the smell, time, photos and witnesses to keep evidence for later.

When notifying in writing, provide a clear defect notice: date, time, precise description of the smell, measures already taken and a request for prompt remediation. If the landlord does not respond, consider further steps such as rent reduction or filing a complaint.

Common mistakes tenants should avoid

• Only reporting verbally: missing documentation makes later claims difficult.
• Returning hastily to the apartment without clearance can endanger safety.
• Delaying and performing private investigations instead of waiting for professionals delays hazard removal.

FAQ

When must I report a gas smell as a tenant?

As soon as you detect a gas smell, you should leave the apartment, call 112 if there is immediate danger, and inform the gas supplier and landlord.

Can I reduce rent because of a gas smell?

Possibly yes: if the apartment's usability is significantly impaired and the landlord does not act promptly, a rent reduction may be considered.

Who is responsible if the landlord does not respond?

Your next steps can include legal action or contacting the local court; official advice from authorities is often helpful.

How-To

1. Leave the apartment immediately and move to a safe location.
2. Call emergency number 112 or the gas supplier's emergency service if dangerous.
3. Inform the landlord by phone and then send a written defect notice with date and description.
4. Take photos, note times and witnesses for evidence.
5. If there is no response, consider rent reduction, setting a deadline, or legal advice.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Rights and obligations
• Federal Office of Justice – Information about courts
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Bundesamt für Justiz – bundesjustizamt.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de