Accessible Doorbell in Old Buildings — Tenants Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you often encounter barriers in older buildings when it comes to door technology. An accessible doorbell improves access, safety and independence for people with mobility or sensory impairments. In many cases you need the landlords written consent; sometimes the modification can be required or at least approved, especially for health reasons. This article explains in practical terms what rights tenants have, which deadlines and documents matter, and how to write a clear, legally safe letter to the landlord. You will receive concrete action steps, notes on cost responsibility and information on courts and legal bases in Germany. At the end you will find a short application guide, FAQs and links to official sources.

Tenant Rights

Landlords must keep the rental property fit for contractual use. Under the provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB), repair and maintenance claims as well as questions of consent for structural changes can be relevant.^[1] This means concretely: an accessible doorbell is not automatically a tenants modernization right, but with medical necessity and an individual assessment a consent or cost coverage may be possible.

Who pays?

In principle, the landlord bears the costs for maintaining the rental property. Accessibility adjustments can be classified as modernization or individual measures. Clarify in writing early on whether the landlord will cover the costs or whether cost sharing is possible. Health certificates can strengthen your claim.

Immediate steps for tenants

• Send a written request to the landlord (form): Describe the need, the exact installation location and attach evidence such as medical certificates or photos.
• Collect evidence (evidence): Document photos of the existing bell, dates, times and any written statements from roommates.
• Set deadlines (deadline): Set a clear deadline for the response, for example 14 days, and specify the desired installation date.
• Clarify costs (payment): Ask specifically who will bear which costs and whether a cost split is possible.

FAQ

Does the landlord have to modify the bell?

Not automatically. The landlord has maintenance duties, but structural changes usually require your consent or a separate agreement; a claim may exist in case of special medical need.^[1]

What should the letter to the landlord look like?

Short and written: describe the purpose, attach evidence, set a deadline for a response and send the letter by registered mail or by email with read receipt.

What if the landlord refuses?

If the landlord refuses, examine the legal options: seek advice from a legal aid office or consider filing a suit at the local court; court procedures follow the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2]

How-To

1. Collect evidence (evidence): take photos, obtain medical certificates and record dates/times.
2. Send a written request (form): describe the desired change, attach evidence and set a clear deadline.
3. Plan the installation (repair): clarify technical details, responsibilities and dates with the landlord or a specialist company.
4. If refused, review options (court): obtain legal advice and, if necessary, prepare a claim at the competent local court.^[3]

Help and Support

• German Civil Code (BGB)  Gesetze im Internet
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)  Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB), § 535  Landlords duties
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)  Court proceedings
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH)  Information and case law