Renting a garage is the best way to protect your vehicle from the elements and to ensure you always have a parking spot right at hand when you need one. This eliminates the daily stress of navigating complex parking rules, finding pay-and-display machines, or setting parking discs correctly. However, real-life experiences show that certain issues with rental agreements can arise at any time. To avoid misunderstandings of any kind, it's in both the landlord's and tenant's best interest to discuss important points in advance – and put them in writing.
The rental contract should clearly state who is in charge of all routine maintenance – for example ensuring that locks, doors and interior lighting work properly. Assigning clear responsibilities will go a long way in preventing disputes regarding damages and repair work.
In the following sections, we'll explore common scenarios that you may encounter as a garage tenant in Germany – including practical advice on how to handle these situations like a pro.
A woman accessing her parking spot safely - proper access is essential for any garage rental agreement. Photo from Ross Helen on Canva.
Accessibility issues
Garage doors that won't open or missing keys are a serious issue for you as a tenant. Your landlord is required to provide you with a complete set of keys and ensure unrestricted access to the premises. Refusing access or losing keys is a clear violation of the rental agreement and, under German law, counts as a defect of the rented property. This gives you the right to demand a solution, reduce your rent payments, or terminate the contract altogether. Moreover, landlords are not allowed to secretly keep spare keys to the property. If this happens, you may terminate the agreement and claim damages.
If a tenant loses or breaks a key, they must notify the landlord immediately. If damages result from normal wear and tear, it is the landlord's responsibility to provide a replacement at their own expense. However, if the key is lost through negligence on the tenant's side, the tenant will usually have to cover the costs for a replacement.
You must also have unlimited and unobstructed access to the garage. Neither your landlord nor third parties are allowed to block the entrance. What's more: If an accident occurs as the direct result of a blocked driveway, the property owner may be liable for any damage or injury caused.
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Key tips:
- Keep a spare key in a safe place
- Clearly define repair and maintenance responsibilities in your rental agreement
- Contact your landlord or emergency services immediately if there are issues with accessing the property
Maintenance, repairs and allocation of responsibility
Even in simple garage rental agreements, it's vital to clearly define upfront who is responsible for repairs and expenses. Typically, routine maintenance is the landlord's responsibility: This includes anything from keeping the structure in good condition to fixing gate mechanisms, repairing a leaky roof or taking care of damages caused by regular wear and tear.
When comparing ground-level versus underground parking options, maintenance responsibilities can vary significantly, making proper rental agreement documentation even more crucial.
You must ensure you take appropriate care of the property. Any damage they cause – e.g. dents in doors, oil stains on floors, or burn marks – must be fixed at their own expense.
The rules are simple: Landlords take care of necessary repairs caused by normal wear and tear, while tenants need to cover the costs for repairing damages caused by their own negligence.
For example, if fluid leaks from a car and damages the floor, the tenant pays for the clean-up and/or repairing the floor. Conversely, a faulty gate mechanism arising from regular use must be fixed by the landlord.
Liability for damages is a specifically sensitive issue. If part of the structure collapses and damages a car, whoever failed to meet proper maintenance obligations will be liable. Your landlord will only be held liable if they knew about a hazard and failed to take appropriate action.
Insurance matters, too. Comprehensive or partial coverage for vehicles typically protects against theft and damage. Personal liability insurance may help if you accidentally damage someone else's property (like bumping into a car with a bicycle). Your landlord should always carry building or property insurance that covers the garage structure and relevant common areas.
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Key tip: Make sure to include specific repair and maintenance provisions in your rental agreement. For example, clearly define that it's the landlord's responsibility to handle technical malfunctions and waterproofing, while the tenant will take care of everyday upkeep, including cleaning.
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Using a remote control to access a garage - reliable access mechanisms are crucial for preventing disputes. Photo from Mirsad Sarajlic on Canva.
Disputes over garage usage
Different viewpoints on how rented garages can be used can often be a source of conflict. German parking rules and regulations, including the Garagenverordnungen, clearly state that garages are intended for parking vehicles, not for use as a workshop or a storage space. You can only store items directly pertaining to your car: this includes e.g. spare tires, tools, roof racks, jacks, or small amounts of oil and fuel. Storing furniture, baby strollers, household items, or flammable substances like gas cylinders violates the agreement and may result in a removal request or outright termination of the contract.
In short: Any use beyond the intended purpose is risky. Turning garages into workshops, storage for construction materials, or living spaces almost always violates rental terms and safety regulations. This especially applies to flammable liquids that exceed permitted amounts – which in turn can result in heavy fines and a loss of safety guarantees from landlords.
In case of a dispute, review the rental agreement first. Most contracts explicitly limit garage usage to parking and storing small vehicle-related items. Anything that goes beyond the standard use (e.g. storing a motorcycle on top of a car) is subject to the landlord's prior approval.
For those considering alternatives, understand that while Park and Ride facilities have clearer usage rules, they may lack the personalized storage flexibility that private parking arrangements can offer when properly negotiated.
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Key tip: Treat your garage as a parking space, not a storage room. If you want to keep extra items, ask permission first. It's much easier than explaining violations later on or facing potential eviction.
Documentation and record-keeping
Proper documentation protects both you and your landlord when disputes arise. The best defense against misunderstandings is a paper trail that clearly shows what was agreed upon and what actually happened.
- Start with move-in documentation. Take photos of the garage's condition before you took on the rental, including any existing damage, wear marks, or issues with doors, floors, and lighting. Date-stamp these photos and share copies with your landlord to be able to determine who caused which damages in case of a dispute later on.
- Keep a record of all written communication. Send important requests, complaints, or notifications via email or via the Garages Near Me messenger. If you discuss repairs or changes over the phone, follow up with a written summary: "As we discussed today, you agreed to fix the garage door by Friday." This creates an electronic trail that might come in handy later on.
- Keep all receipts and invoices. Whether you're paying for repairs you're responsible for or the landlord is handling all maintenance, it's important to keep track of all costs. If disputes arise about who should pay for what, receipts and other documents will be crucial evidence.
- Get key agreements in writing. Any changes to the original rental terms, special permissions for storage, or agreements about maintenance responsibilities should be documented in writing and signed by both parties.
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Key tip: Create a simple folder for all garage-related documents: rental agreement, photos, receipts, and correspondence.
When you book through Garages Near Me, you can access helpful documentation templates and checklists that make organizing these records even easier. We even handle rent payments and invoicing for you!
When you book through Garages Near Me, you can access helpful documentation templates and checklists that make organizing these records even easier. We even handle rent payments and invoicing for you!
Contract renewal and cancellation
Every garage rental agreement eventually ends or requires renewal, so familiarize yourself with the rules in advance.
In Germany, standalone garages generally do not fall under tenant protection regulations that apply to residential properties. They can be rented on a month-to-month basis or for a fixed term, and either party can terminate the agreement without providing a reason as long as the notice period is adhered to.
Unlike apartments, landlords cannot use "own requirements" as grounds for eviction. Legally, garages are not considered residential properties, so standard tenant protection doesn't apply.
According to law (§580a BGB), terminating standalone garage rentals typically requires three months' notice, effective at the end of the calendar month. Written notice must be submitted by the third working day of the month to end the contract two months later.
For example, notice given on July 3 terminates the rental on September 30.
If the garage is rented as part of a residential property, different rules apply: The garage can only be terminated after the main residential lease ends, and vice versa.
Unless renewed, fixed-term agreements simply expire on the agreed date. Often, rentals continue automatically after the initial term until one party opts to terminate the contract. When extending contracts or revising terms, it's best to start negotiations early. Landlords may offer new agreements, sometimes with a rent increase. Legally, landlords are allowed to increase rent by issuing a standard termination notice while simultaneously offering a new contract with higher rates (Änderungskündigung). It's then up to you to accept or reject these new terms.
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