Using CO Detectors: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should take carbon monoxide hazards seriously. A correctly installed CO detector saves lives and often meets building code or lease requirements. This article explains in plain language who is responsible for purchase and maintenance, what duties landlords and tenants have, and how to react to an alarm. I provide a practical checklist for reporting CO incidents, explain relevant legal notes from the BGB, and list official forms and competent courts. The goal is to give you concrete steps to act quickly, safely and legally without assuming legal expertise. If you suspect acute CO poisoning, call emergency number 112 immediately and notify the landlord in writing.

CO Detectors and Responsibilities

CO detectors detect odorless, life‑threatening concentrations of carbon monoxide. In many tenancies the landlord's safety obligations are relevant while tenants remain responsible for proper use and reporting defects. Relevant rules are found in the BGB regarding maintenance and rent reduction^[1]. For legal actions the Code of Civil Procedure is relevant, and tenancy disputes are usually heard at the local court (Amtsgericht)^[2].

Who pays and who maintains?

Often the landlord covers initial purchase, especially if installation requires structural changes. Small battery changes or function checks can be assigned to the tenant in the lease. Document all actions in writing to prove who acted and when.

Checklist: What to do on CO Alarm

• Call 112 immediately for symptoms and evacuate the apartment.
• Document photos of the detector, timestamp and surroundings (e.g., heater, stove).
• File a written defect notice to the landlord with date, time and request for remediation (see forms section).
• Maintenance check: replace batteries, test device and follow manufacturer instructions.
• Keep in mind: If the landlord does not react, set a deadline for remedy and announce further steps if danger continues.

Forms and Practical Templates

There is no single nationwide mandatory form for a defect notice, but a written letter is important. State date, time, facts, requested remedy deadline and attach photos. For termination letters or formal demands you can refer to sample templates from the Federal Ministry of Justice, for example for termination letters or formal claims^[4].

FAQ

Who is responsible for a CO detector, landlord or tenant?

It depends on the lease and local rules; often the landlord is responsible for the purchase and tenants for routine checks.

Can I reduce rent if the landlord does not act?

If the living quality is seriously affected a rent reduction may be possible; document the defect and set a reasonable deadline.

Which courts handle disputes?

Tenancy disputes are typically heard at the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances are the regional court and Federal Court of Justice for precedent matters^[2].

How-To

1. Call 112 and leave the apartment immediately for symptoms or alarm.
2. Document: take photos of detector, readings and affected equipment.
3. File a written defect notice to the landlord with a remediation deadline (e.g., 7 days).
4. If there is no reaction, consider legal steps and seek advice from responsible authorities or qualified counsel.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB) - official legal texts
• Information on local courts and procedures
• Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) - CO guidance

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet - Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet - Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK)
4. [4] Bundesministerium der Justiz (BMJ) - Forms and templates