Accessible Doorbell: Checklist for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should carefully document the function and accessibility of the doorbell in your building. This guide explains step by step which photos, descriptions and witness statements are helpful, how to observe deadlines and which official forms you may need with authorities or in court. I show when you should formally request action from the landlord, which legal provisions from the BGB are relevant and how to prepare evidence for an application to the local court.[2] You will receive concrete sample wordings for requests to the landlord, guidance on setting deadlines and securing evidence such as photos and date stamps, as well as links to official forms and the competent courts. This checklist is tailored to the rights of tenants.
What to document
- Photos with date stamps and multiple angles as evidence of function and accessibility.
- Defect report as a written form with date and exact location information.
- Witness names and contact details if neighbors can confirm the issue.
- Device data: manufacturer, model, visible damage and any maintenance notes.
- Description of how the doorbell is inaccessible to people with mobility impairments (e.g. height, obstacles, reach).
- Document all communications to the landlord and set clear deadlines for remediation.
How to secure evidence
Take high-quality photos and short videos, note date and time, and keep original files. Also store copies in cloud storage and on an external drive. Note who saw or heard what and when. If possible, use visible date stamps in recordings.
- Create photo and video folders organized by date and keep original files unchanged.
- Send a written defect report by email and registered mail to the landlord; keep proof of sending.
- Ask witnesses to provide short written statements with dates.
- If the landlord promises repairs, document appointments and any incomplete or faulty work.
Forms and legal basis
Important laws include the Civil Code (BGB), especially tenancy law sections, and the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) for court actions.[1][3] Relevant procedures and forms include:
- Defect report / written request to the landlord (no unified official number) – use clear wording, set a deadline and state the desired remedy. Example: "Please remedy the defect by DD.MM.YYYY; otherwise I will consider a rent reduction."
- Setting a deadline: set a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days) and specify concrete expectations.
- Statement of claim under the ZPO (§§ 253 ff.) for eviction or performance – this is a court document filed at the local court; example: filing a claim when the landlord does not act despite timely requests.[3]
FAQ
- Can I reduce the rent if the doorbell is not accessible?
- Yes, rent reduction is possible if the usability of the dwelling is impaired. Document the defect, the period and inform the landlord in writing.[1]
- What if the landlord does not respond?
- Send a written defect report with a deadline. If there is no response, you can file a claim at the local court or seek advice; collect all evidence beforehand.[2]
- What deadlines apply?
- There is no fixed deadline for all cases; common deadlines range from 7–14 days for repair or defect remediation. Court procedures may have different deadlines.
How-To
- Take photos and videos of the doorbell, record date and time.
- Write a defect report: describe the condition, set a deadline, choose delivery method (email + registered mail).
- Obtain witnesses and secure short written statements.
- Document landlord responses and scheduled repair appointments.
- If necessary: file a statement of claim at the local court or seek legal advice.
Key takeaways
- Careful photos and date information are often the most important evidence.
- Written defect reports with deadlines increase pressure for quick remediation.
- If there is no response, local courts and formal claims are the next steps.
