Urgency Levels Checklist for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany it can be unclear how urgent a problem is and which steps are immediately necessary. This checklist explains urgency levels for defects, deadlines for reporting, required forms such as the WBS application and which pieces of evidence you should collect. You will receive clear instructions: when to inform the landlord in writing, how to set deadlines and when a rent reduction or filing at the local court is appropriate. The language remains practical and free of legalese so you can quickly decide whether immediate action is needed and which official offices or forms are relevant. For example: heating failure in winter has different deadlines than a small water leak; document date, photos and witnesses.

When is a problem urgent?

Urgency depends on whether living quality or safety is affected. The landlord's maintenance duties arise from the BGB. ^[1] In cases of heating, water or mold there is usually an urgent need for action; for minor cosmetic defects longer response times apply.

• Heating failure (repair): report immediately, set a written deadline and create documentation.
• Water/Drain blockage (repair): report immediately, inform emergency service if needed and take photos.
• Noise/Uninhabitability (deadline): report recurring problems and set a deadline for remedy.
• Minor cosmetic defects (form): report in writing and accept normal repair timeframes.

Which forms and templates?

There is no single national list for every case, but the following official form types are relevant:

• WBS application (WBS form): application for a Wohnberechtigungsschein with social housing promotion under the WoFG, apply at the responsible authority; example: apply if you need a social apartment and meet income limits. ^[3]
• Complaint/eviction claim (form): templates and formal requirements at the competent local court under the ZPO if the landlord demands eviction or you file a claim. ^[2]
• Written defect notice (form): no uniform federal form, but include date, description, deadline setting and request for remedy; send by registered mail or with confirmation of receipt.

Preparation for the local court and next steps

If an agreement is not possible, the local court is the first instance for most tenancy disputes; procedural rules derive from the ZPO. ^[2] Keep all receipts, photos, letters and witness statements. Key decisions by the Federal Court of Justice can be decisive; check relevant case law in advance. ^[4]

FAQ

What does urgency level mean?

An urgency level describes how quickly a defect must be remedied, for example immediately in cases of danger or within several days for minor defects.

When can I reduce the rent?

You can reduce the rent if the usability of the apartment is significantly impaired; keep documentation and a written defect notice ready.

Who decides on an eviction claim?

The competent local court decides on eviction claims; court proceedings follow the rules of the ZPO and possibly BGH case law.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the defect (photos, date, witnesses) and inform the landlord immediately.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice with a deadline (e.g. 14 days) and prove receipt.
3. Step 3: If there is no remedy, review legal options: rent reduction, involve the local court or a mediation body.
4. Step 4: In case of a lawsuit: organize documents, observe deadlines and consider legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §535 Tenancy duties — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) case law — bundesgerichtshof.de
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) and WBS rules — gesetze-im-internet.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de