Landlord not repairing? How to enforce your rights
A defect in the apartment (broken heating, leaking roof, defective boiler) and the landlord simply does nothing? You are not powerless: you can compel the repair, reduce the rent and, in an emergency, commission it yourself.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Set a deadline / enforce the repair →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Report the defect
Report the defect in writing and ask the landlord, with a reasonable deadline, to repair it (§ 536c BGB).
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2. Reduce the rent
Reduce reasonably for the duration of the defect (under reservation) to build pressure and compensate the damage.
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3. Threaten self-remedy
If there is no reaction, announce that you will have the defect remedied yourself after the deadline expires and bill the costs.
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4. Act immediately in case of danger
In case of urgent danger (for example heating failure in winter, water damage), you may act even without a long deadline and demand reimbursement of the expense.
Frequently asked questions
May I commission a tradesperson myself if the landlord does not react?
Yes, under conditions: if the landlord is in default with the remedy (after a deadline) or the repair is urgently necessary, you may have the defect remedied yourself and demand reimbursement of the necessary costs (§ 536a Abs. 2 BGB). Document everything.
Can I reduce the rent at the same time?
Yes. The rent reduction takes effect by operation of law for the duration of a significant defect (§ 536 BGB), regardless of whether you additionally enforce the repair. Report the defect and reduce reasonably, best under reservation.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.