Accessible Evacuation Plan: Tenant Checklist Germany

As a tenant in a German big city, you should know how an accessible evacuation plan works and what rights you have in 2025. This practical guide explains step by step which obligations landlords must meet, how you as a tenant can report barriers, and what funding or financing assistance exists for accessibility measures. You will find concrete actions for communicating with the landlord, notes on deadlines and required evidence, and tips on how to document your safety. I also explain which forms are relevant at the local court or municipality and how to collect evidence if you need to apply for rent reduction or support.

What belongs in an accessible evacuation plan?

An accessible evacuation plan specifies escape routes, assembly points, responsibilities for assisting people with limited mobility, aids (e.g., evacuation chairs), and regular drills. Landlords have basic maintenance and protection obligations under the German Civil Code (BGB §§ 535–580a).^[1] The plan should clearly state who helps in an emergency, how information is accessible, and how individual evacuation needs are documented.

Step by step: What tenants should do

• Describe the problem in writing and date it to the landlord (date, location, exact description).
• Keep photos, witness statements and messages as evidence.
• Use a short form or letter for the defect notice and request a deadline for remediation.
• If there is no response: consider next steps (rent reduction, contacting the public order office or legal action).
• Document every response from the landlord and keep copies of all documents.

Financing and funding opportunities

There are municipal funding programs and possible grants under the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG).^[3] Check whether your city offers subsidies or low-interest loans. Subsidies are often tied to specific eligibility criteria (age, disability, type of measure).

• Contact your local building or housing office for information on municipal programs.
• Inquire about subsidized loans and grants that the municipality can help apply for.
• Check whether cost-sharing with the landlord is possible or whether subsidies reduce your personal contribution.

Forms and typical evidence

Relevant documents include notices to the landlord, applications to the municipality for funding, and, if necessary, complaints filed at the local court. Court proceedings follow rules of civil procedure (ZPO).^[2] Examples of forms and use:

• "Application for funding under the WoFG" (at the responsible municipality): A tenant can apply when seeking financial support for accessibility measures not provided by the landlord; practical example: application for a subsidy for a stairlift for an affected household member.
• Written defect notice (own template): Use a dated letter to the landlord with a clear deadline and attachments as evidence; example: "Please remedy the missing evacuation information within 14 days, otherwise I will consider further steps."
• Complaint form at the local court (for eviction or enforcement): If a serious defect cannot be remedied, court proceedings may be necessary; the local court handles many tenancy disputes.

Practical legal steps and courts

If negotiations fail, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for many tenancy disputes (e.g., rent reduction, eviction suit). Rules of civil procedure (ZPO) apply to deadlines and formal requirements.^[2] Higher courts include the regional court (Landgericht) and, for key legal questions, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[4]

FAQ

Who is responsible for the evacuation plan?

The landlord is generally responsible for creating and implementing the evacuation plan; tenants should report defects and document support needs.

Can tenants reduce rent if there is no accessible evacuation plan?

Rent reduction may be possible if usability is significantly impaired; document the defect and set a remediation deadline first.

What funding can I use?

Municipal funding programs and WoFG grants or loans may provide subsidies; inquire at the housing or building office.

Where do I turn in case of a dispute with the landlord?

First contact the landlord in writing, then local advisory services; for legal action the local court is responsible.

How-To

1. Write a dated defect notice to the landlord with a concrete deadline (e.g., 14 days).
2. Collect evidence: photos, witnesses, messages and invoices.
3. Check funding options at your municipality and submit necessary applications (e.g., under WoFG).
4. If needed, seek legal advice and prepare documents for possible proceedings.
5. In case of dispute: file a complaint at the competent local court (observe ZPO) or consider settlement offers.

Key Takeaways

• Document defects immediately and thoroughly.
• Use municipal funding to reduce costs for accessibility measures.
• Seek support early from authorities or advisory services.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de