How can I take leave if there is an urgent repair problem at home?

Can I take leave if there is an urgent problem or emergency repair at home?

1. Legal basis

Under German civil law (Section 616 of the German Civil Code – § 616 BGB), employees may be released from work for a short period without loss of pay if the reason for their absence is beyond their control, personal in nature and of significant importance.

However, ordinary household issues or routine maintenance are generally not considered a legally compelling reason for paid leave –
unless there is serious danger or substantial damage, and the repair cannot be postponed (for example: a burst water pipe, fire, dangerous electrical fault, major leak or collapse risk).

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2. What should you do in practice?

A. Emergency situations (real danger)

If there is a genuine risk to your home or the people living in it
(e.g. flooding, structural damage, fire, major water damage, serious electrical hazard),
→ you usually have the right to request short-term paid leave (often 1 day), which is often covered by § 616 BGB.

• Inform your employer immediately and explain that this is an urgent, non-deferrable emergency at your home.

• If possible, provide evidence of the incident (e.g. photo, written notice from the landlord/house management, confirmation from the fire brigade/police, repair invoice).

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B. Normal maintenance and repair work
(e.g. replacing a washing machine, heating maintenance, internet installation, minor repairs)

These situations are generally not considered a reason for paid leave under § 616 BGB.

In such cases, you can:

• Use part of your annual paid leave (Urlaub).

• Make use of flexible working hours or flexitime (Gleitzeit), if your company has such a system.

• Try to schedule the technician or repair appointment outside your core working hours, if possible (early morning, late afternoon, weekend).

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C. If your employment contract or company agreement provides exceptions

Some employers (or collective agreements / works council agreements) offer additional voluntary rules that grant paid leave in certain situations.

• Ask your HR department if special rules apply in your company.

• Check your employment contract and any works council agreements (Betriebsvereinbarungen).

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3. Important notes

• Do not stay away from work on your own initiative without notifying your employer or obtaining formal approval.

• Explain the situation clearly and honestly, without exaggeration – unjustified absence may lead to a written warning (Abmahnung).

• In emergency situations, it is very helpful to have documentation (e.g. repair invoice, written statement from landlord, incident report) available when you return to work.

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Quick summary:

• If the problem at home is an acute emergency that cannot be postponed, you often have a legal right to short-term paid leave under § 616 BGB.

• For normal maintenance work, you should use your annual leave, flexitime or an individual arrangement with your employer.

• Always inform your employer as early and as clearly as possible, and keep proof of the reason for your absence.

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not fully verified. Please treat this article as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities or professionals for binding, up-to-date advice.