Drafty windows can make your home cold and raise your heating bills. In Germany, if your windows are not sealed well, you may have the right to pay less rent until they are fixed. Follow these simple steps to find drafts, talk to your landlord, seal your windows, and enjoy a warmer home.
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1. Find Drafts and Collect Proof
• Candle or Paper Test: Light a candle or hold a thin strip of paper near the window edges. If the flame flickers or the paper moves, air is coming in.
• Take Photos or Videos: Show the gaps you see between the glass and the frame. Clear pictures help prove the problem.
• Compare with Neighbours: Check windows in similar apartments. If theirs are tight and yours leak, you have a valid issue.
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2. Your Right to Reduce Rent
German tenancy law says serious defects, like drafty windows, allow you to reduce your rent by 5 % to 20 %. The exact amount depends on how strong the draft is and the weather in your area.
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3. Tell Your Landlord
1. Speak First: Call or visit and explain the draft.
2. Write a Formal Notice: If nothing changes, send an email or letter with your photos.
3. Set a Deadline: Give your landlord a reasonable date to fix the windows (for example, within 14 days).
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4. What You Need to Seal Windows
• Silicone Sealant: A flexible paste for filling gaps between glass and frame.
• Self-Adhesive Strips: Rubber or foam strips that stick along the frame edges.
• Brush Strips: Small, brush-like seals for sliding or casement windows.
• Draft Stoppers: Simple covers you press into place for extra protection in winter.
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5. How to Seal Your Windows
1. Clean the Frame: Remove old sealant, dust, and grease.
2. Apply Sealant: Use a caulk gun to fill the gaps. Smooth it with a tool or your finger.
3. Attach Strips: Press the self-adhesive strips firmly along all edges.
4. Check Again: After the sealant dries, repeat the candle or paper test to make sure no air comes in.
5. Maintain Regularly: Every year, especially before winter, check and replace any worn seals.
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6. Benefits of Proper Sealing
• Lower Bills: Keep more heat inside and spend less on heating.
• More Comfort: No more cold drafts or wind noise.
• Legal Protection: You can lawfully reduce your rent until the problem is fixed.
• Peaceful Home: Enjoy a warmer, quieter living space all year.
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Source: Joerg Geiger, “Undichte Fenster? So viel Miete dürfen Sie kürzen,” CHIP.de (20 April 2025).