Building inspection deadlines in Germany.
The recurring inspections and checks that commercial buildings in Germany usually need, how often, and the rule behind each one. Checked November 2026.
Intervals and rules.
| Inspection | How often | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Prüfung ortsfester elektrischer Anlagen | Every 4 years; yearly for installations of a special kind | DGUV Vorschrift 3 |
| Prüfung ortsveränderlicher elektrischer Betriebsmittel | Guide value 6 months; up to 1 year (2 in offices) | DGUV Vorschrift 3; BetrSichV § 3 |
| Inspektion und Wartung der Brandmeldeanlage | Inspection every quarter, maintenance yearly | DIN VDE 0833-1; DIN 14675-1 |
| Prüfung sicherheitstechnischer Anlagen durch Prüfsachverständige | Every 3 years (special buildings) | Prüfverordnungen der Länder |
| Instandhaltung der Feuerlöscher | At most every 2 years | DIN 14406-4; ASR A2.2 |
| Prüfung der Sicherheitsbeleuchtung | Every 12 months, plus monthly | DIN EN 50172 |
| Hauptprüfung Aufzugsanlage | At most every 2 years, by an approved body (ZÜS) | BetrSichV Anhang 2, Nr. 4.1 |
| Zwischenprüfung Aufzugsanlage | Halfway between main inspections | BetrSichV Anhang 2, Nr. 4.3 |
| Prüfung von Druckbehältern | External every 2 years, internal every 5, strength every 10 | BetrSichV Anhang 2, Abschnitt 4 |
| Untersuchung des Trinkwassers auf Legionellen | Every 3 years for commercial use; yearly for public use | TrinkwV 2023, § 31 |
| Prüfung des Blitzschutzsystems | Classes I–II: 1 and 2 years; III–IV: 2 and 4 years | DIN EN 62305-3 |
This is a starting list, not legal advice. What a building needs, and how often, depends on its use, size, risk category and equipment, and rules change. Check with your qualified people and current official sources.
What catches people out.
- The operator sets each Prüffrist in the risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung), within the legal maximum.
- Expert tests in special buildings (Sonderbauten) come from the Prüfverordnung of each of the 16 states.
- A main lift inspection (Hauptprüfung) and the interim inspection (Zwischenprüfung) are separate deadlines.
This list is built into Dueclear.
Every building follows its country's list, with the interval and the rule it comes from. Your team confirms what applies; Dueclear reminds the owner from 60 days ahead and collects the new certificate from the contractor.
Other countries: United Kingdom · Italy · Spain · Portugal
FAQ
How often do commercial buildings in Germany need inspections?
It depends on the system: see the table above for each inspection, its usual interval and the rule behind it. Intervals often depend on the building's use and size.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers the inspections most commercial buildings share. Your building may need others, depending on its activity and equipment.
How do I keep track of all these dates?
Put them in one register with an owner for each. Our free Excel template works out the next due date; Dueclear also reminds people and collects the certificates.