Water damage in the rented apartment: who pays what?
It is dripping from the ceiling, the basement is flooded or a pipe has burst? With water damage, quick and correct action is important, for the repair, the rent reduction and compensation for your damaged belongings.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Report the damage and reduce the rent →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Contain and document the damage
Turn off the water (main tap), secure the power in affected areas, take photos and videos and list damaged belongings.
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2. Inform the landlord
Report the damage to the landlord immediately (§ 536c BGB) and demand the repair. Act at once if there is danger.
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3. Reduce the rent
For the duration of the impairment, you can reduce the rent appropriately (subject to reservation).
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4. Report your own belongings
Report damage to your household contents to your household insurance; if a third party is at fault, also to the party who caused it or their liability insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reduce the rent in case of water damage?
Yes. As long as the apartment is impaired by the water damage, for example by dampness, running drying equipment or unusable rooms, the rent is reduced by operation of law (§ 536 BGB). Report the defect and reduce appropriately, ideally subject to reservation.
Who replaces my damaged furniture?
For your own belongings, your household contents insurance is generally responsible. If a third party caused the damage (for example, a neighbor through a leaking washing machine), that party or their liability insurance is liable. The landlord generally compensates the damage to the apartment, not to your household contents.
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.