Rent reduction for Vermin & Pests
A single spider is nature; a cockroach infestation is a defect. As soon as pests have established themselves in the flat, the landlord has to act and to pay the exterminator too. It is different only where you caused the infestation yourself.
7 types of defect · rates from 2 % 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
Rats inside the apartment
20–80 %Rats get into the living areas, or rooms are sealed off because of pest-control measures.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 3 daysBed bugs
20–70 %Bed bug infestation in the apartment.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 5 daysCockroaches
10–70 %Cockroach infestation in the apartment.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 5 daysMouse infestation
10–30 %Mouse infestation in the apartment.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 10 daysSilverfish (severe infestation)
5–20 %Severe silverfish infestation, often a sign of moisture problems.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 21 daysRats in the cellar, yard or garden
2–20 %Rats around the building, at the bins, in the back yard, garden or cellar, without entering the apartment.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 7 daysWasp or bee nest
5–20 %Wasp or bee nest on the building that restricts the use of the apartment.
Deadline for the repair: approx. 7 daysThe legal position
What matters is the scale. One mouse that strays into the cellar once is not enough for a reduction. With a proven infestation you have two claims side by side: the reduction and repair under § 535 Abs. 1 Satz 2 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 Vermin & Pests
How much rent reduction is possible for Vermin & Pests?
The guidance values in this category range from 2 to 80 percent of the gross warm rent. The highest rate falls to “Rats inside the apartment” 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 Vermin & Pests?
This category covers 7 types of defect: Cockroaches, Rats inside the apartment, Rats in the cellar, yard or garden, Mouse infestation, Bed bugs, Silverfish (severe infestation), Wasp or bee nest.
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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