Minor repairs: what tenants really have to pay

A dripping tap, a broken light switch, and the landlord points to the 'minor-repairs clause'? Tenants have to pay for small repairs only under strict conditions. Many clauses are invalid, and then the landlord bears the costs.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A minor-repairs clause is valid only if it contains a cap per individual repair (in case law usually around 100 euros) and an annual cap (often a fixed amount or about 6 to 8% of the annual rent). It also applies only to items subject to your frequent direct use.

If one of these limits is missing, or if the tenant is supposed to carry out repairs themselves or pay a share, the clause is usually invalid, and then you pay nothing at all.

What you should do now

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1. Check the clause
Does the clause contain both a per-item AND an annual cap? If one is missing, it is generally invalid.
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2. Check the item
Only things subject to your frequent use are covered (taps, switches, handles), not hidden installations or the repair itself.
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3. Note the cap
If the individual repair is above the agreed maximum, the landlord bears the full costs, not just the excess portion.
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4. Reclaim wrongful payments
If you paid based on an invalid clause, demand the money back.

Frequently asked questions

Up to what amount do I have to pay for minor repairs?

Only up to the per-item cap validly agreed in the contract (in case law usually around 100 euros) and only up to the annual cap. If a single repair is above that, the landlord bears the entire costs, not just the excess portion.

When is the clause invalid?

When a per-item or annual cap is missing, the amounts are too high, or the clause obliges you to carry out repairs yourself or to contribute to larger repairs. Then you do not have to pay anything, and the landlord bears the costs.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.