Demand Repairs — Hold Your Landlord to Maintenance Duties
Create a professional letter to your landlord demanding necessary repairs. The AI drafts your request with a deadline under German Civil Code (BGB).
Important Tips
- The landlord is obligated to maintain and repair the property (Section 535(1) sentence 2 BGB) — this covers all repairs not assigned to the tenant
- Minor repair clauses in the lease are only valid if they include a cap per repair (approx. 75-120 EUR) and an annual total cap (approx. 200-300 EUR or 8% of annual rent)
- Report the repair need in writing without delay (Section 536c BGB) and set a reasonable deadline (typically 14 days)
- After an unsuccessful deadline, you can commission the repair yourself and claim costs from the landlord (Section 536a(2) No. 1 BGB — right to self-remedy)
Notice Period
Report the repair need without delay after discovery (Section 536c BGB). Set the landlord a reasonable 14-day deadline. For urgent matters (e.g. heating failure in winter, burst pipe), a shorter deadline or immediate self-remedy is justified.
How It Works
Describe
Describe in plain language what you want to write.
AI Creates Your Letter
Our AI generates a professional letter in DIN 5008 format.
Sign & Receive
Sign digitally and receive the finished PDF by email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What repairs must the landlord cover?
The landlord must cover all repairs necessary to maintain the contractual condition of the apartment (Section 535(1) sentence 2 BGB). This includes: broken heating, leaking windows, burst pipes, defective electrical systems, leaking roofs, and damaged common facilities. Exception: damage caused by the tenant themselves.
What are minor repairs and who pays?
Minor repairs concern items subject to frequent tenant use (e.g. faucets, light switches, door handles). A minor repair clause in the lease can impose costs on the tenant, but is only valid if a cap per repair (typically 75-120 EUR) and an annual maximum are set. Without a valid clause, the landlord bears all costs.
Can I have repairs done myself if the landlord doesn't act?
Yes, under Section 536a(2) No. 1 BGB you have a right to self-remedy if you set the landlord a reasonable deadline and it expired without action. You can commission the repair and claim costs from the landlord. In emergencies (e.g. burst pipe), you may act immediately without a deadline (Section 536a(2) No. 2 BGB).
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