Urgency Levels for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany it can be confusing which problems must be reported immediately or fixed by yourself and which deadlines apply. This text explains in plain language how urgency levels are classified for repairs, heating failures, water damage and similar cases, what rights you have as a tenant and which deadlines apply under the Civil Code. Practical steps, sample texts for written notifications and notes on the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) and socially subsidized housing help you contact the right authorities and courts. Use the practical instructions to structure claims for rent reduction, urgent repair requests or preparing a lawsuit.

What are urgency levels?

Urgency levels classify defects according to their severity and immediate impact on the usability of an apartment. Examples: no hot water or heating failure in winter often counts as high urgency, while a defective socket is often medium urgency. The classification affects deadlines for remedying defects and whether a rent reduction is justified.

Rights, duties and deadlines

The landlord is responsible for maintenance and defect repair under the German Civil Code^[1]. If acute dangers or considerable impairments occur, tenants must inform the landlord without delay and set a reasonable deadline for remedying the defect. In urgent emergencies immediate action may be necessary; legal proceedings are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure^[2]. Rules on housing eligibility and subsidized housing are found in the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)^[3].

Practical steps for defects

Follow these steps when you discover a defect:

• Description: Note date, time and exact description of the defect and all consequences for use.
• Evidence: Photograph or film the damage and collect witness statements.
• Written notice: Send the landlord a written defect notice and set a deadline for remedy.
• Observe deadlines: Allow a reasonable deadline depending on urgency (e.g. 24–48 hours for heating failure in winter).

If the landlord does not respond, consider further steps such as commissioning a craftsman at the landlord's expense only after legal review or initiating a rent reduction. For cases that endanger health or safety, inform the health authority or building inspectorate if necessary.

Important forms and templates

Official forms often depend on the federal state; here are key names and notes on when to use them:

• Termination letter (tenant or landlord): written declaration to end the tenancy; include a clear date and signature, example: termination due to relocation for work reasons.
• Lawsuit form for eviction (Amtsgericht): when the landlord seeks eviction or conversely to enforce claims; file the complaint with the competent local court.
• Application for Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS): regional form for applying for subsidized housing under the WoFG; use this form when applying for affordable housing.

FAQ

What counts as an emergency and how quickly must the landlord react?

Emergencies are defects that make the apartment uninhabitable or dangerous, e.g. heating or water failure. In such cases the landlord must be informed immediately and should react within the shortest possible time (often 24–48 hours).

Can I reduce the rent if the defect is not remedied?

Yes, rent reduction is possible if a significant defect exists and the landlord does not react despite notification. The amount depends on the loss of use and is linked to Civil Code provisions.

Who decides on urgency or the amount of rent reduction in disputes?

Disputes are usually decided by the local court (Amtsgericht); higher courts are the Landgericht and the Federal Court of Justice for legal questions.

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the defect with photos, date and description.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline.
3. Step 3: If no response, follow up in writing and possibly shorten the deadline.
4. Step 4: If unresolved, consider legal action at the competent local court.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation and evidence are crucial for successful claims.
• Act quickly and set appropriate deadlines for the landlord.
• Use official forms and contact the competent local court in case of disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) – rules on tenancy law
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – rules for court proceedings
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) – rules for WBS

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)