Accessible Evacuation Plan for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany live in older buildings where escape routes are not planned to be accessible. This guide explains in practical terms which rights tenants have, which duties landlords must meet and how you as a tenant in an old building can initiate an accessible evacuation plan. You will learn which structural obstacles are particularly problematic, how to report defects correctly and which deadlines apply for authorities or courts. The text gives concrete steps for documentation, for discussion with property management and for involving emergency services or local authorities. The aim is to give you clear actions so that in an emergency all residents can be evacuated safely. The guidance is practical, clearly explained and aligned with the legal situation in Germany.

What is an accessible evacuation plan?

An accessible evacuation plan describes safe escape and rescue routes for all residents, including people with mobility or sensory impairments. In old buildings, stairs, narrow corridors or missing elevators can complicate evacuation; therefore, alternative aids, assembly points and markings are important. A plan includes simple signage, alarm and call paths and designated contacts within the building community.

Rights and duties

Landlords are obligated under general tenancy maintenance duties; defensive and safety measures can derive from § 535 et seq. BGB.^[1] For serious safety defects, civil procedural steps up to eviction lawsuits may be necessary; the procedural rules are found in the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2]

• Report defects in writing (submit) to the landlord with date, description and a deadline.
• Collect photos, witness names and dates (evidence) for documentation.
• Name and inform emergency contacts and local rescue services.
• Report minor repairs (repair) and, if necessary, set deadlines.

Forms and official steps

There is no nationwide form number for a "notice of defect"; usually a formal letter with date, description and an appropriate deadline is sufficient. For serious breaches of the duty to secure the property, an eviction lawsuit or other claims may be necessary; the rules are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2] For precedent-setting matters, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) is responsible for higher-level decisions.^[3]

• Notice of defect (no national form) — example: date, exact description, requested deadline.
• Formal request for remedy (formal demand with deadline).
• Claim for remedy or eviction (court actions according to the Code of Civil Procedure).

Practical steps for tenants

Start with clear documentation and a written demand to the property manager. If there is no response, inform your local fire department or emergency control center about special needs in the building and seek legal advice. Often, coordinating with neighbors helps to name a practical assembly point or contact person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for an accessible evacuation plan?

Primarily the owner or property manager; tenants can, however, report defects and request cooperation.

What can I do if my landlord does not respond?

Report defects in writing, set a deadline, document everything and, if necessary, seek legal steps or ask the fire department for assistance.

Which court handles tenancy disputes?

Tenancy disputes are usually heard in the local court (Amtsgericht) in the first instance; higher courts are the regional court (Landgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice for matters of principle.^[2]

How-To

1. Document the defect with photos, dates and witnesses (evidence).
2. Send a formal notice of defect by letter or email (submit) and set a clear deadline.
3. Wait for the deadline (within 14 days) and gather responses or a lack of response.
4. Contact local rescue services or the fire department for advice on assembly points.
5. If there is no remedy, consider legal action at the local court (court).

Key Takeaways

• Report defects in writing and set deadlines as the first step.
• Documentation (photos, witnesses) is crucial for later actions.
• Engage emergency services and neighbors early to plan assembly points.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) § 535 ff. — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

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