Accessible Doorbell for Tenants in Germany

Planning and Rights

As a tenant in Germany, you should check which rights and obligations apply and which proofs make sense before installing an accessible doorbell. Fundamental tenancy obligations and the responsibilities of landlords and tenants can be found in the BGB, for example regarding maintenance and changes to the rented property.^[1] If a dispute ends up in court, the procedural rules of the ZPO govern proceedings at the local court.^[2]

Before Talking to the Landlord: Checklist

• Form: Prepare and date a written defect notice or application.
• Take photos or video of the bell location and possible barriers.
• Note deadlines (e.g., response time for the landlord).
• Keep medical certificates or a disabled ID card as proof.
• Obtain a cost estimate for materials and a specialist company.

Consent and Funding Options

Many changes to the apartment require the landlord's consent. Consent is usually required for interventions in the building fabric or electrical installations; purely reversible, small measures may be assessed differently. If funding or reimbursement by a social welfare body is to be considered, collect proofs and cost estimates.

Collecting Proof

Sensible proofs help to support your request and avoid later disputes. Use clear photos, dates, written cost estimates and medical certificates when the measure is necessary due to a disability.

What if the Landlord Refuses?

If the landlord refuses consent, document the refusal in writing. Check whether a conciliation procedure is offered or whether a lawsuit at the competent local court is appropriate. Guidance on court proceedings and form templates is available on the Federal Justice Portal.^[3]

Installation and Hiring

Plan the technical implementation with a specialist company or a professional for barrier-free electrical work. Clarify who will handle cabling, mounting and possible restoration of the original condition.

• Contact certified electricians or barrier-free specialist companies.
• Keep a written agreement with the landlord about scope and costs.
• Agree on payment and dismantling rules in writing.

FAQ

Do I always need the landlord's consent for an accessible doorbell?

Not always. Pure attachments without intervention in the fabric may be assessed differently; interventions in electrical installations usually require consent. Document your measure and obtain written permission where possible.

Which proofs are most important?

Photos, dates, cost estimates and medical certificates are particularly helpful when applying for reimbursements or funding.

What can I do if the landlord refuses?

Try an out-of-court settlement or conciliation first. If necessary, consider a lawsuit at the local court; pay attention to deadlines and procedural rules of the ZPO.^[2]

How-To

1. Contact: Inform the landlord in writing about your need and attach photos and medical proof.
2. Obtain consent: Agree in writing on scope, cost sharing and dismantling rules.
3. Collect proofs: Keep cost estimates, invoices and receipts for possible funding applications or legal disputes.
4. If disputed, act: Learn about conciliation or lawsuits at the competent local court and use the Federal Justice Portal for procedure information.^[3]

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB collection: Civil Code (BGB)
• Federal Justice Portal: information on procedures and courts
• BMI: Guidance on barrier-free building

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetzestext, gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Verfahrensregeln, gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Justice Portal — information on court procedures and forms