Tenants: Window & Door Seals in Germany 2025

Why seals matter

Defective window and door seals reduce warmth, increase heating costs and can promote mold. Tenants under German rental law are entitled to a functional apartment; landlords are responsible for maintenance^[1]. In unclear cases, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) often decides on claims and measures^[2].

• Heat loss and higher heating costs from leaking seals.
• Mold growth at window reveals or floor edges.
• Drafts, noise and reduced living comfort.

How to document damage with photos

Careful photo documentation is often decisive: wide shots show context, detail photos show the damage, and comparison photos prove changes before and after measures. Add measurements and short timestamps; note date and time separately if the camera does not record metadata.

• Wide shot for room context and the window location.
• Detail shot of the damaged seal from close range.
• Include a scale (ruler or tape measure) visible in the photo for size and distance.
• Before/after photos: condition before and after any provisional fixes.
• Date, time and short description saved as filename or note.

What to report to your landlord

Always report defects in writing and attach the photos. Draft a clear defect notice, describe the damage precisely and set a reasonable deadline for repair. For formal letters you can use templates and guidance from the federal justice ministry^[3].

• Write a defect notice with date, damage description and photos and send it to the landlord.
• Set a reasonable repair deadline (e.g. 14 days) and document responses.
• Follow up by phone and make a note of the conversation.

FAQ

Does the landlord have to replace seals?

Yes, if seals impair the usability of the apartment, the landlord is generally obliged to carry out repairs.

Is a photo enough as evidence?

Photos are important and can be sufficient if they clearly show date, scale and context; adding written defect notices increases evidentiary weight.

Can I reduce the rent because of defective seals?

Rent reduction is possible if usability is significantly impaired. Check the prerequisites and deadlines, document the defect and inform the landlord in writing first.

How-To

1. Systematically take photos: context, detail, scale and comparison images.
2. Create a written defect notice with photos and send by email and registered mail.
3. Set a deadline for repair (e.g. 14 days) and document any reply.
4. If the landlord does not respond, consider legal advice and check the local court (Amtsgericht) competence for claims^[2].

Key Takeaways

• Document defects with clear photos and measurements.
• Set a reasonable deadline for repairs and monitor timeframes.
• Written defect notices with evidence are important for enforcement.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB (Mietrecht, §§ 535–580a)
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – forms and guidance
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law on tenancy law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Information on courts and competence – Justizportal
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection – forms and templates