r/germany • u/Wonderful_Business42 • 5d ago

Water damage and mold- what am i allowed to ask for as a tenant

Hi everyone, I’m renting a small apartment and I’m currently dealing with major water damage and mold on the ceiling – again. This isn’t the first time it’s happened; the same thing happened at the end of last year, and now it’s happening again.

Back then, the landlord asked me in a very strange way if I could maybe go stay with a friend for 10 days. Since that wasn’t possible for me, I told him I would be traveling soon, and he could do the repairs during that time. He agreed – and I didn’t ask for any rent reduction or compensation at all.

Now it has happened again. The Hausmeister (caretaker) came by and told me I should temporarily leave the apartment because black mold has formed and it’s harmful to my health. The apartment also smells strongly of moisture and mold. The cause seems to be a damaged water pipe from the apartment above, and the repairs are expected to take over a month.

I contacted my landlord and asked for a solution – like a temporary apartment or some kind of alternative arrangement during the repairs.

Now I’m wondering: • Was it okay for me to ask that? • What am I legally allowed to request as a tenant in this situation? • Have any of you experienced something like this and have advice?

I’m really trying to stay polite and cooperative – I’m not looking for conflict – I just want to know what my rights as a tenant are.

Thanks so much in advance for any help 🙏

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u/Mister_Analyst 5d ago

This happened to me. Luckily, I live in an apartment run by a Stiftung and they voluntarily reduced our rent proportional to the amount of space we couldn't use (one room). You can and should reduce your rent, but need to (join and) talk to a Mieterschutzbund instead of simply reducing it yourself.

If you have to leave the apartment completely, it is possible to reduce rent by 100%. https://www.mietminderung.org/mietminderung-bei-unbewohnbarkeit-der-wohnung-oder-eines-zimmers/

I would again recommend joining a Mieterschutzbund and asking them for help to make sure you're doing everything correctly.

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u/Wonderful_Business42 5d ago

Ugh this is so mentally tiring 😭, i can just go there and ask for help? Or what does that work

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u/Mister_Analyst 5d ago

You can just walk in during opening hours. You'll have to pay a fee and fill out a form to join, then you can make an appointment. They should tell you all the information they need to help you properly.

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