Allowing Assistance Dogs: Tenant Rights Germany

Assistance dogs support people with disabilities in daily life. For tenants in Germany, two questions often arise: Is the dog allowed in the rented flat, and who pays the costs? This practical guide explains in clear language what rights tenants have in 2025, which forms and medical certificates are helpful, how municipal integration assistance or other benefits providers can be involved and which steps make sense if a landlord refuses. It also describes how to enforce your rights under the Civil Code in practice, which deadlines apply and which court levels have jurisdiction in disputes. The aim is to provide actionable steps and official reference sources for affected persons.

What tenants in Germany need to know

The tenancy law in the BGB generally regulates landlord and tenant obligations, including maintenance and the right to use the dwelling; in cases of health-related need, an individual balancing of interests in favour of the tenant may be necessary^[1]. If the rental agreement does not contain an explicit ban on dogs, that alone is usually not sufficient to refuse an assistance dog when medical necessity is proven.

Rights vis-à-vis the landlord

Tenants should document the need in writing with a medical certificate and offer to insure or compensate for any damage. Documentation, medical attestations and a concrete proposal for damage compensation help with the balancing of interests. If there is a dispute, local courts (Amtsgerichte) in Germany are initially competent; court proceedings follow the Code of Civil Procedure^[2].

Important first steps

• Collect a medical certificate of need and make copies.
• Submit an application for integration assistance or cost coverage to the competent authority.
• Contact the landlord and seek dialogue, record deadlines in writing.
• Document: photos, contract copies, payment receipts and correspondence.

Financing: Who can help?

Financial support for the purchase and training of assistance dogs can be considered under integration assistance or other social benefits; competencies and benefit entitlements are governed by social law, in particular SGB regulations^[3]. Local social welfare offices or rehabilitation providers decide individually on cost coverage.

Possible support and next steps

• Submit an application for integration assistance benefits to the local social welfare office and attach evidence.
• Check whether health insurance, pension insurance or the integration office may contribute in individual cases.
• In case of refusal, examine legal remedies and prepare potential court action before the local court.

FAQ

Do I need the landlord's permission to keep an assistance dog?

Not necessarily; if a medical need is proven, a blanket prohibition is often unlawful and a balancing of interests must take place.

Who pays for purchase and training?

Coverage of costs is not uniformly regulated; check integration assistance, health insurance or other social benefit providers and submit formal applications.

What can I do if the landlord refuses?

Document your need, contact the social welfare office and consider legal action before the local court; deadlines must be observed.

How-To

1. Determine need: collect medical diagnosis and written attestations.
2. Submit applications: file integration assistance or other benefit claims with the competent authorities.
3. Inform the landlord: notify in writing, set deadlines and negotiate.
4. Check legal protection: examine litigation options and file with the local court if necessary.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Gesetze im Internet (BGB and other laws)
• [2] Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (information on social benefits)
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (case law and information)

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Information on integration assistance and rehabilitation - bmas.de