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Emergency

Roller shutter or blind defective: who repairs it?

Roller shutters and blinds are part of the rented property. If something breaks without your fault, the landlord must keep the apartment in a contractual condition and repair it. Only within narrow limits can a minor-repairs clause make you share in small costs.

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The landlord must maintain the rented property and remedy defects (§ 535 Abs. 1 BGB). Wear and age-related defects are generally at the landlord's expense.
A minor-repairs clause can make you share only in repairs of frequently used parts up to a low individual limit, and only up to an annual cap. Larger repairs are always borne by the landlord.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Report the defect

    Notify the landlord of the defect in writing and set an appropriate deadline for the repair.

  2. 2

    2. Check the clause

    See whether a valid minor-repairs clause with individual and annual caps exists.

  3. 3

    3. Wait out the deadline

    If the landlord does not react, depending on the case you can reduce the rent or threaten substitute performance.

  4. 4

    4. Secure evidence

    Document the defect, report and reaction in case of a dispute.

How to spot the scam

  • The landlord tries to pass off wear-and-tear damage as a minor repair.
  • A minor-repairs clause without a cap is meant to burden you fully.
  • The repair is delayed for weeks without reason.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for the broken roller shutter myself?

Generally not. Repair and maintenance are the landlord's matter (§ 535 BGB). Only if a valid minor-repairs clause exists and the costs are below the individual limit can you share in small amounts, never in larger repairs.

What is a minor-repairs clause?

A contract clause that makes the tenant share in the cost of small repairs to parts they frequently use. It is valid only with a low limit per repair and an annual cap; without these limits it is invalid.

May I commission the repair myself?

Only after you have reported the defect to the landlord and set an appropriate deadline and the landlord does not react. Then substitute performance with reimbursement of costs may come into consideration. Commissioning too hastily can otherwise leave you stuck with the costs.

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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.