Urgency Levels: Tenant Rights for Families in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to correctly assess urgency levels for housing problems. This checklist helps families distinguish which cases require immediate action — such as heating failures, burst pipes, or acute safety defects — and which deadlines apply for repairs, rent reductions, or formal notices. It contains practical guidance on necessary evidence, official forms such as the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS), and sample texts for letters to landlords, as well as steps to consider before court proceedings. The aim is to make families able to act, secure rights and avoid disputes. The guide explains terms simply, names responsible authorities and shows how to meet deadlines and document evidence safely. If necessary we also name contact points and forms for social housing. Read on for a step-by-step guide.

Understanding urgency levels

Urgency levels classify damages and defects by how quickly a response is needed. Legal obligations on tenant rights and landlord duties are set out in the BGB, which governs maintenance duties and rent reduction ^[1]. Additional rules apply for subsidized housing under the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz and WBS provisions ^[2].

• Immediate action (deadline): acute hazards such as heating failure in winter, burst pipes or power outages should be reported to the landlord immediately.
• Urgent repairs (repair): problems that limit usability, such as heating or plumbing, should be fixed within a short timeframe.
• Ongoing defects (form): for recurring or less urgent defects, document deadlines and request written remediation.

What to do in emergencies?

In emergencies, call first and secure evidence: photos, timestamps, witnesses. Inform the landlord by phone and additionally in writing by email or letter, specify a reasonable deadline and request remedy. If necessary, hire an emergency service and keep invoices as proof.

• Contact the landlord immediately and document call time and conversation details.
• Take photos and create a defect list with date and time.
• Send a written defect notice with a deadline (e.g. 14 days) and request confirmation.

Rights, forms and courts

There are no uniform tenancy forms for many steps, but authorities and courts provide templates and guidance. For subsidized housing, families apply for the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) under the rules of the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz ^[2]. For serious disputes, the Amtsgericht (local court) is the first instance for tenancy disputes; higher instances are the Landgericht and ultimately the Federal Court of Justice ^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are urgency levels?

Urgency levels classify housing problems by required response time: acute damages require immediate reporting, other defects follow deadlines.

When can I reduce the rent?

You can reduce the rent if usability is significantly impaired and the landlord does not remedy the defect; document extent and duration of the defect.

How do I apply for a WBS for social housing?

You apply for the WBS at your municipality or the responsible state office; check the eligibility requirements for your family and submit supporting documents.

How-To

1. Document the damage: date, time, photos and witnesses.
2. Inform the landlord immediately by phone and request remedy in writing within a deadline.
3. If necessary, hire an emergency repair service and keep all invoices and receipts.
4. Send a formal reminder with a deadline and inform about possible rent reduction if no remedy occurs.
5. If the landlord does not respond, consider the next legal steps at the local court and seek legal advice.

Key takeaways

• Report acute defects immediately and set clear deadlines.
• Documentation increases the chances of enforcing rights.
• Use official forms where available and communicate in writing.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB: Landlord and tenant duties
• WoFG: Housing promotion and WBS rules
• Federal Court of Justice: case law and guidance

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) und WBS-Regelungen — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Court procedures and eviction actions — gesetze-im-internet.de