Allow Satellite Dish for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you may wonder whether you are allowed to install a satellite dish on a balcony or the building facade. This guide clearly explains your rights in the tenancy, how house rules and the consent of the owners' community are examined, which legal bases apply and which practical steps tenants and landlords should consider. I describe common dispute points such as interference with the building fabric, visual impact and liability issues as well as the importance of documentation and deadlines. At the end you will find concrete guidance on which local courts are responsible, which official forms may be relevant and how to proceed securely in case of dispute. The language is intentionally simple and shows how to request consent, raise objections or, if necessary, prepare a lawsuit.

Rights and Legal Basis

Under German tenancy law, the provisions of the BGB in particular regulate landlord and tenant duties in the tenancy.^[1] Procedural questions for lawsuits and enforcement are governed by the rules of the ZPO and court jurisdiction.^[2]

Consent, House Rules and Community Rights

Whether a satellite dish is permitted often depends on the house rules, the condition of the building and the rights of the owners' association. Small, non-invasive fixings are often tolerated; interventions in the building fabric or permanent alterations usually require consent from the landlord or the owners' association.

• Ask for permission in writing and describe the purpose, mounting location and method precisely.
• For modern buildings, first check whether approvals from the owners' association are required.
• Request binding consent from the landlord, specifying a deadline for reply.

Practical Steps and Documentation

Documentation is crucial: photos, written requests, responses and installation offers reduce disputes. Clarify liability issues in advance and who will fix any damage.

• Take photos of the installation site and save offers or installation descriptions.
• Choose an installation that minimizes damage to the structure and note technical details.
• Coordinate installation dates in writing and secure approval by email or signed statement.

Forms and Competent Courts

For formal steps, different forms and the local Amtsgerichte may be relevant. Templates for civil complaints and guidance on filing can be found on the justice portal of the federal states; use this portal if you consider eviction enforcement or a payment claim.^[3]

FAQ

Do I always need the landlord's permission to install a satellite dish?

Not always; for interventions in the facade or in condominium buildings consent is generally required, while simple, non-invasive fixings can often be tolerated.

Who decides in a dispute about the satellite dish?

If no agreement is possible, the competent Amtsgericht is usually responsible for tenancy disputes; higher instances are the Landgericht and the Federal Court of Justice.

What deadlines must I observe?

Set a reasonable deadline for the landlord to respond (e.g. 14 days) and document the communication to be able to prove missed deadlines.

How-To

1. Check the tenancy agreement and house rules for provisions on satellite reception first.
2. Document the desired installation site with photos and technical data.
3. Request the landlord's consent in writing and specify a deadline for response.
4. If necessary, prepare evidence and consider the legal route at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
• Justice Portal of the Federal States – Forms and Procedural Guidance
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case Collection

---

1. [1] §§ 535–580a BGB – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Justice Portal of the Federal States – Forms and Procedural Guidance