Accessible Evacuation Plan: Tenant Guide Germany

As a tenant in Germany you need clear information when it comes to accessible evacuation plans and their financing in major cities in 2025. This practical guide explains in plain language which obligations landlords have, which funding programs may exist and how you as a tenant can take concrete steps: from a written request for structural measures to collecting evidence and submitting applications to authorities. Examples show typical situations in multi-family buildings, and the checklist at the end helps organise deadlines and documents. The goal is for tenants to know their rights and find practical ways to review and request accessible evacuation measures.

Why accessible evacuation plans matter

Evacuation plans that consider people with mobility impairments protect lives and reduce liability risks. As a tenant you benefit directly when escape routes, assembly points and care concepts are clearly regulated for all residents. Accessibility is not only comfort: it is part of fire and traffic safety in residential buildings.

Who is responsible?

In principle, the landlord is responsible for traffic safety and the maintenance of the building; this follows from tenancy law in the BGB (e.g. obligations for upkeep and use).^[1] For concrete disputes the local court decides, then the regional court and - for fundamental questions - the Federal Court of Justice.

Funding options

• Check KfW or funding programmes: grants or low-interest loans can facilitate conversions.
• Municipal subsidies: many cities offer funding for accessibility in residential buildings.
• State programmes: federal states sometimes have their own subsidy rules for housing adaptations.
• Cost sharing: negotiate cost-sharing or landlord contributions.

Practical steps for tenants

This is how tenants proceed if they need accessible evacuation measures: send a written request to the landlord, document defects, check funding applications and, if necessary, prepare legal steps. Collect photos, witness statements and written communication as evidence.

Which documents are useful

• Photos of hazards at escape routes (stairs, missing handrails, blocked doors).
• Written communication with the landlord and dates for inspections.
• Medical certificates or confirmations if special assistance needs exist.

FAQ

Who pays necessary conversions for accessible escape routes?

In principle the landlord bears the costs for traffic safety and maintenance; in many cases negotiations about grants or subsidies are possible.

Can I as a tenant have conversions carried out immediately?

You should notify the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline. Only in acute danger situations may immediate measures be necessary.

Which authority helps with disputes about financing or implementation?

The local court is responsible for tenancy disputes; for funding questions contact municipal housing or building authorities.

How-To

1. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline.
2. Check funding options and prepare required applications.
3. Collect evidence: photos, witnesses, medical certificates.
4. If blocked, contact the local housing office or municipal advisory service.
5. If necessary: file a lawsuit or consider interim relief at the local court.^[2]

Help and Support

• BGB - Civil Code (legal texts)
• ZPO - Code of Civil Procedure (court proceedings)
• Federal Court of Justice - Decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. - Landlord obligations
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Rules for lawsuits and procedures
3. [3] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) - Regulations on entitlement certificates
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Case overview in tenancy law