Scandal in Lübeck: Ex-landlord convicted of poisonous lead pipes!

Scandal in Lübeck: Ex-landlord convicted of poisonous lead pipes!

In Lübeck, a case of lead pipes in a residential building is causing a stir and legal consequences. Joachim Steier, former owner of the Geniner Straße 43-87 building complex, was at the center of a legal dispute that is now accompanied by a ruling from the Lübeck Regional Court. This ruling makes it clear that Steier fraudulently concealed the existence of the harmful lead pipes that were installed in 1927. This had serious consequences for the buyers, Bergholz and Werner Immobilien GmbH from Lüneburg, as they only found out about the fatal lead limits in drinking water after the purchase. According to LN Online, Steier now has to pay around 12,000 euros to compensate for the financial losses caused by rent reductions. He is also responsible for the renovation of the lead pipes, the cost of which is estimated at around 200,000 euros.

It is not just a financial problem, as the health of tenants is also at stake. One tenant reported elevated blood lead levels and health problems linked to the toxic pipes. For many, there is no choice but to get their drinking water from the supermarket because the pipes have still not been replaced. The renovation has not yet begun, which further aggravates the tenants' situation.

Legal situation and rent reduction

In accordance with legal requirements, landlords must replace outdated lead pipes to ensure that tenants' health is not endangered. According to Mietrecht.org, tenants have a rental contractual right to have lead pipes replaced, especially if they pose health risks. The presence of lead in the drinking water already justifies a rent reduction, according to the motto: “If you don’t take care of your tenants, you have to bear the consequences.” If the landlord is unable to replace the pipes due to cost, tenants could even consider terminating the property without notice.

Experts warn that action must be taken quickly, especially for those at risk such as pregnant women, small children and sick people, in order to avoid long-term damage to their health. Although claims for damages due to health impairments are difficult to prove, tenants are protected by law and can enforce their right to safe drinking water.

Development of the situation

The legally binding legal dispute between Steier and Bergholz and Werner Immobilien GmbH has not yet been concluded: Steier has one month to appeal the judgment. Meanwhile, it was also revealed that the real estate company had had legal problems with other tenants in the past; A lawsuit was recently filed regarding leaky windows. This led to a further judgment in which the company was ordered to repair the damage and pay 3,400 euros. The company has also filed an appeal here.

It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the replacement of the lead pipes can be delayed until all legal issues have been clarified. The tenants, however, are hoping for a quick solution so that they can finally drink safe water from the tap again.