GermanyWhat can I do if my neighbor's building threatens to collapse onto my property?
You can legally demand that your neighbor take immediate steps to prevent collapse — such as shoring up the structure or demolishing unsafe parts — under BGB § 908.
What the Law Says
German civil law gives you a clear, enforceable right to protect your property from imminent physical danger caused by a neighbor’s deteriorating building — even before any damage occurs.
Under BGB § 908, if your land faces a real risk of damage due to the collapse (or partial collapse) of a building or structure attached to your neighbor’s property, you may demand that the responsible party take all necessary preventive measures.
This applies whether the danger comes from full structural failure, falling façade elements, crumbling cornices, or detached roof tiles — as long as the threat is concrete and foreseeable.
The person you can hold accountable is the one who would be liable for actual damage under §§ 836–838 BGB — typically the owner or possessor of the dangerous building, regardless of whether they were negligent.
Statutory TextDroht einem Grundstück die Gefahr, dass es durch den Einsturz eines Gebäudes oder eines anderen Werkes, das mit einem Nachbargrundstück verbunden ist, oder durch die Ablösung von Teilen des Gebäudes oder des Werkes beschädigt wird, so kann der Eigentümer von demjenigen, welcher nach dem § 836 Abs. 1 oder den §§ 837, 838 für den eintretenden Schaden verantwortlich sein würde, verlangen, dass er die zur Abwendung der Gefahr erforderliche Vorkehrung trifft.
— BGB § 908 — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
While no case directly interpreting BGB § 908 is provided here, courts consistently apply strict preventive liability in similar contexts — especially where physical safety or property integrity is at stake.
The court held that property owners must proactively inspect trees on their land at least once per year; failure to do so triggers liability when falling branches cause damage — reinforcing the principle that prevention, not just compensation, is legally required.
What to Do
Document the danger (photos, videos, expert opinion if possible).
Send a written demand to your neighbor citing BGB § 908 and specifying required actions (e.g., shoring, demolition, inspection by engineer).
If they ignore you, file an application for an injunction (einstweilige Verfügung) at the local Amtsgericht.
In urgent cases (e.g., visible cracks, sagging beams), contact local building authority (Bauaufsichtsbehörde) — they may order emergency measures.
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.