Guide
Knowledge for tenants – your rights when there are defects in your apartment.
Common Defects
Power Outage in Your Rental: Your Right to a Rent Reduction
No electricity in your apartment? Learn when you can reduce your rent after a power outage – even during a large-scale blackout like the one in Berlin in 2026.
Noise from Neighbors: Your Rights as a Tenant
Noise from neighbors? Learn when noise constitutes a rental defect and how you can enforce a rent reduction.
Water Damage in Your Apartment: What to Do as a Tenant
Water damage in your rental apartment? Learn how to react correctly, who bears the costs, and when you can reduce your rent.
Mold in Your Apartment: Your Rights as a Tenant
Mold in your rental apartment? Learn what rights you have, when the landlord is liable, and how to enforce a rent reduction.
Legal Texts
§ 536 BGB – Rent Reduction for Defects: Text and Explanation
The full legal text of § 536 BGB with a clear explanation: when can tenants reduce their rent and what does it mean in practice?
Void Clauses in Your Lease: § 536 Para. 4 BGB
Does your lease exclude rent reduction? Learn why such clauses are void and what rights you still have.
Court Rulings on Rent Reduction – Overview
What rent reductions have courts awarded for which defects? An overview of verified rulings with case numbers, percentages, and facts.
§ 536a, § 536b, § 536c BGB – Supplementary Provisions
Beyond § 536 BGB, there are more important provisions: damages, knowledge at move-in, and notification obligations. Learn what §§ 536a–c mean for you.
Practical Tips
When Is Rent Reduction Excluded? 8 Cases You Should Know
Rent reduction isn't always allowed. Learn in which 8 cases a rent reduction is excluded – and how to avoid typical mistakes.
Rent Reduction: When You're Entitled – And When You're Not
Not every defect entitles you to a rent reduction. Learn what requirements must be met and in which cases no claim exists.
Rent Reduction Is Automatic – By Operation of Law
Rent reduction takes effect automatically as soon as a defect exists. Learn why you don't need approval and when the right applies.
Common Mistakes with Rent Reduction – And How to Avoid Them
Rent reduction done wrong? Learn the most common mistakes tenants make and how to correctly enforce your right to a rent reduction.