Tenancy law minor repairs When tenants have to pay for minor repairs

First step: Check your rental agreement to see whether there is a minor repair clause. A common minor repair clause reads:

“The tenant bears the costs of minor repair work on those objects and facilities that are subject to his direct and frequent access, such as installation objects for electricity, water and gas, heating and cooking facilities, window and door locks and roller shutters, regardless of fault. Blinds, shutters and awnings up to an amount of 90 euros per individual case and up to 7 percent of the annual net rent per year.

If you don't find this clause or similar wording, that's good for you. Because then the principle of tenancy law applies, according to which the landlord, as the owner of the apartment, has to pay for all necessary repair work himself. This results from paragraph 535 of the German Civil Code (BGB).

Tip: Our large tenant set clarifies these and many other tenancy law issues in detail.