Rent reduction for Bathroom & Plumbing
Without a bathroom and a toilet a flat is not habitable. Courts judge accordingly strictly when the only toilet or the shower fails. At the other end of the scale sit small things such as a dripping tap, which often justify no reduction at all.
7 types of defect · rates from 3 % to 80 %
This text was machine-translated. Only the German version is legally binding. To the German original
Every defect in this category at a glance
Only toilet unusable
20–80 %The apartment's only toilet is broken and unusable for a longer period.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 1 dayOnly washing/bathing facility out of order
15–35 %The apartment's only washing and bathing facility cannot be used.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 3 daysToilet flush broken
3–15 %The toilet flush does not work; flushing with a bucket is necessary.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 14 daysToilet broken (second toilet available)
3–10 %One toilet is broken, but a second, perfectly usable toilet is available in the apartment.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 7 daysShower broken (bathtub available)
3–10 %The shower does not work, but another washing facility such as a bathtub is available.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 7 daysBathroom cannot be ventilated
3–10 %The bathroom has no working window and no extractor.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 14 daysWater pressure too low
3–5 %Water pressure too low in the bathroom or kitchen.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 21 daysThe legal position
The key question is usually: is there a reasonable alternative? Someone with a working bathtub next to the broken shower can reduce considerably less than someone who cannot shower at all. A single dripping tap is as a rule an insignificant defect within the meaning of § 536 Abs. 1 Satz 3 BGB.
Every reduction requires a defect notice (Mängelanzeige) under § 536c BGB, because the claim only becomes enforceable once the landlord knows. To the guide: writing a defect notice
Frequently asked questions about Bathroom & Plumbing
How much rent reduction is possible for Bathroom & Plumbing?
The guidance values in this category range from 3 to 80 percent of the gross warm rent. The highest rate falls to “Only toilet unusable” at up to 80 percent. What always governs is the duration, intensity and extent of the impairment in the individual case.
Which defects belong to Bathroom & Plumbing?
This category covers 7 types of defect: Only toilet unusable, Toilet broken (second toilet available), Shower broken (bathtub available), Only washing/bathing facility out of order, Water pressure too low, Bathroom cannot be ventilated, Toilet flush broken.
What do I have to do before I reduce the rent?
Report the defect to your landlord in writing without delay (§ 536c BGB) and set a deadline for the repair as a specific date. Only from the landlord's knowledge onwards is the reduction practically enforceable. If in doubt, keep paying under protest for now.
Other defect categories
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