Germany is known for its efficiency, and this also applies to housing rules. If you are an Azubi (vocational trainee) moving into your first apartment, you will quickly discover that tenants are expected to handle small repairs and everyday fixes themselves. That is why having an toolkit azubis is not only helpful, but essential.
Why Azubis Should Be Independently Prepared
In Germany, tenants—including Auszubildende (Azubis)—are often expected to handle small household fixes independently. This expectation is both practical and rooted in legal frameworks. Here’s why self-reliance is essential and what the law says:
Kleinreparaturklausel (Minor Repairs Clause)
Most rental agreements include a Kleinreparaturklausel, requiring tenants to cover minor repairs—like changing lightbulbs or fixing door handles—as long as they:
- Are directly and frequently used by the tenant (e.g., taps, switches)
- Cost no more than €75–100 each
- Do not exceed 6–8% of the annual rent in total per year.
The landlord is legally responsible for ensuring the property remains in a condition suitable for contractual use (§ 535 BGB). Still, minor repairs may be contractually transferred to tenants under strict limits.
Tenant’s Right to Self-Repair in Emergencies
If urgent repairs (e.g., a burst pipe) arise and the landlord isn’t reachable swiftly, tenants are permitted to arrange immediate fixes and seek reimbursement later under § 536a (right to self-help).
Risk of Missteps When Ignoring Responsibilities
- If a contract includes a valid minor repairs clause, ignoring it could result in personal liability for minor damages.
- Without appropriate clauses, tenants can refuse to pay—valid clauses must meet legal standards to be enforceable.
- Failing to report serious defects could result in loss of rent reduction rights or liability for damage escalation.
Why Tenants in Germany Need Their Own Toolkit
Unlike in many other countries, landlords (Vermieter) in Germany often include a Kleinreparaturklausel (small repair clause) in the rental contract. This means you are responsible for small fixes, such as tightening a loose door handle, unclogging a sink, or replacing a light bulb.
The Essential Tools Every Tenant Should Own
Here is a practical checklist of what you will need:
Basic Hand Tools
- Screwdriver Set (Schraubendreher-Set) – flathead and crosshead in different sizes.
- Hammer (Hammer) – for hanging pictures and assembling furniture.
- Pliers (Zange) – useful for gripping, cutting, or tightening.
- Adjustable Wrench (Verstellbarer Schraubenschlüssel) – for loose nuts and fittings.
- Measuring Tape & Spirit Level (Maßband & Wasserwaage) – to make sure your shelves are straight.
Fixing & Assembly Supplies
- Wall plugs and screws (Dübel & Schrauben) – a must for Germany’s concrete walls.
- Allen keys (Inbusschlüssel) – essential for IKEA furniture.
- Adhesive tape & glue (Isolierband & Kleber) – for quick fixes.
- Silicone (Silikon) – to seal small gaps in kitchens or bathrooms.
Electrical Basics
- Voltage tester screwdriver (Phasenprüfer) – safety first when checking outlets.
- Extension cords & multi-plug adapters (Verlängerungskabel & Mehrfachsteckdose) – common in student rooms.
- Spare lightbulbs & batteries – always handy to have on standby.
- Plumbing & Household Helpers
- Plunger (Pümpel) – to unclog sinks or toilets.
- Small toolbox or bag – to keep everything organized.
- First Aid Kit (Erste-Hilfe-Set) – required in cars but smart to have at home too.
If you prefer convenience, you don’t need to worry about collecting tools one by one. Instead, you can easily purchase ready-made toolkits online or in popular German stores such as OBI, Bauhaus, Hornbach, or Amazon.de. To save you time, we’ve already curated five top recommendations that combine quality, affordability, and practicality—perfect for every Azubis
As an Azubi in Germany, having a compact toolkit and knowing how to handle minor fixes is more than just practical. In fact, it helps you stay compliant with your lease while also avoiding unexpected expenses. Moreover, it demonstrates responsibility—a trait highly valued not only by landlords but also by training companies.
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