Tenants: Window & Door Seals in Germany

If window or door seals are leaking, this directly affects your living quality and rights as a tenant in Germany. Small gaps can cause heat loss, higher heating costs and mold; therefore tenants should detect damage early, document it and notify the landlord in writing. This text clearly explains how to collect evidence such as photos, dates and witnesses, which deadlines apply and which sections of the BGB are relevant. You will also find guidance on official forms, proceedings at the local court and practical steps for reliable proof of defects. The goal is that as a tenant you can assert your claims confidently and legally. The guide is current for Germany 2025.

What matters for seals?

Leaky window and door seals are a defect of the rented property that can reduce usability; the basic rules can be found in §§ 535 ff. of the BGB.^[1] As a tenant you have the right to report defects and, if the landlord does not react in time, to claim a rent reduction or free repair if the defect impairs use. Document the time, place and effect of the defect as well as attempts to contact the landlord.

Typical defects and securing evidence

Common problems are brittle seals, drafts, condensation and initial mold spots. For proof, clear and dated evidence is recommended:

• Take photos with a date of the damage and the surroundings.
• Record measurements (e.g. temperature, humidity) if possible.
• Name witnesses or neighbors who can confirm the defect.

How to report defects and applicable deadlines

Send a written defect report by registered mail or email with delivery confirmation and request a deadline for remedy. Keep copies of all messages. If there is no response within the set deadline, further steps can follow, such as rent reduction or commissioning a repair billing the landlord.

1. Describe the defect briefly, attach photos and set a clear deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days).
2. Prove the dispatch (registered mail, email with read receipt) and store all evidence.
3. If there is no response, consider legal steps or inform a conciliation body.
4. If health is affected, obtain medical advice and an independent assessment promptly.

Forms and templates

There is no state-wide uniform template for a "defect report", but you can use sample letters and guidance from the Federal Ministry of Justice. For legal bases and sections on tenancy rights, official sources refer to the BGB.^[1] For court proceedings the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) is decisive, e.g. for eviction or payment claims.^[2] If proceedings become necessary, the local court is usually competent in the first instance; higher instances are the regional court and possibly the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

FAQ

Can I reduce the rent for leaky seals?

Yes, in some cases a rent reduction is possible if usability is significantly impaired. Document the defect and communication before reducing the rent.

Do I have to pay for repairs myself?

In principle, the landlord is responsible for maintenance. Small repair clauses in the lease may provide exceptions, check your contract.

How long do I have to report a defect?

Immediately after discovery. Give the landlord a concrete deadline for remedy in your defect report (e.g. 14 days).

How-To

1. Photograph the leaking spot, note date and time and save the original files.
2. Write a short defect report requesting remedy and set a deadline.
3. Send the report by registered mail or email with delivery confirmation and keep evidence.
4. If necessary, obtain an expert opinion or medical confirmation when health is affected.
5. Consider legal action if the landlord does not respond; consult tenant advice or the local court first.

Key Takeaways

• Early documentation protects your rights as a tenant.
• Written defect reports with deadlines increase chances of resolution.
• Act quickly and obtain external assessments if health is at risk.

Help and Support

• gesetze-im-internet.de — Laws and regulations
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535 ff. — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — bundesgerichtshof.de