Water Damage in Your Apartment: What to Do as a Tenant

First Steps After Water Damage

Water damage in a rental apartment requires quick action. First, shut off the water supply if possible, and document the damage with photos and videos. Notify your landlord immediately – preferably in writing.

Who Pays for Water Damage?

The question of costs depends on the cause:

• Burst pipe or structural defects: The landlord bears the costs for repair and remediation of consequential damage
• Tenant's defective washing machine: The tenant is liable for the damage; their liability insurance usually covers the costs
• Damage caused by neighbors: The neighbor or their liability insurance is responsible

Rent Reduction for Water Damage

As long as the water damage has not been repaired and limits your living quality, you are entitled to a rent reduction under § 536 BGB. The amount depends on the extent of the impairment:

• Damp walls in one room: approx. 5–15%
• Drying equipment in use: approx. 20–30% (due to noise and restrictions)
• Room unusable: up to 50%

Calculate your individual rent reduction →

Important: Don't Forget the Defect Notice

Without a written defect notice to the landlord, you may not reduce your rent. Set a reasonable deadline for remediation – typically 14 days. Create defect notice now →

Tip: Keep all receipts – photos, correspondence, and invoices. These can be decisive in case of a dispute.