Anchors & Holes for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may often face the question of whether you may drill into walls or install anchors, how to obtain consent and which proofs help to avoid conflicts. This practical guide explains step by step how to agree drill holes and anchors with photo evidence, which wordings are useful in letters to the landlord and how to document evidence securely. You will also learn which legal duties and rights apply under the BGB, how local courts and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) typically decide and which forms or deadlines are important. The aim is to give you clear action steps so that, as a tenant, you can adapt your apartment without taking unnecessary risks.

What may tenants drill?

Generally, structural changes by the tenant are only permitted with the landlord's consent. If your lease contains explicit prohibitions, the situation is more restrictive; nevertheless, the landlord must not refuse arbitrarily. Relevant provisions can be found in the BGB.^[1]

Documentation and photo evidence

Good documentation protects you in later disputes. Photograph condition, measurements and positions before and after drilling and save date information and file names in a traceable way.

• Photos before work: wide shots, close-ups of the wall and surrounding area.
• Photos after work: final images with a scale and date.
• Supplementary documents: keep original packaging of anchors, manufacturer information and invoices.
• Keep a log: note date, time, tools used and persons involved.

Consent request to the landlord

Request consent in writing and attach photo evidence and exact information about the type and scope of the measures. State which anchors and drilling depth are planned and offer to repair damage professionally or agree on a reinstatement. Refer to the applicable legal bases if necessary.^[1]

• Factual request (form): describe location, purpose, material and expected traces.
• Attach photo evidence (form): at least two perspectives before and after the intervention.
• Set a deadline (form): give a response time of e.g. 14 days.

If the landlord refuses

If the landlord refuses, check the reasons and, if necessary, send a reasoned reply. If no agreement is possible, legal steps before the local court are possible; see procedural rules in the ZPO and court jurisdiction.^[2][3]

• Mediation attempt: offer renewed talks or mediation.
• Written reminder with a deadline before legal steps.
• Judicial clarification at the local court if necessary.

FAQ

Can I drill without permission if it is only small anchor holes?

Even small interventions can be in breach of contract; check your lease and try to obtain written consent.

Who pays for removal of drill holes at move-out?

Unless agreed otherwise, costs for necessary cosmetic repairs or reinstatement may fall to the tenant; it depends on the individual agreement.

Which deadline should I set for the landlord to decide?

An appropriate period is usually 7–14 days; if urgent, explain why a shorter deadline is necessary.

How-To

1. Take photos and measurements in advance.
2. Send a written request with photo evidence to the landlord.
3. Set and document a response deadline.
4. Offer mediation if refused, otherwise consider legal clarification.
5. Keep all responses and evidence permanently.

Key takeaways

• Written consent protects you from later claims.
• Photo evidence should clearly show date and perspectives.
• Check the rental contract before acting.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet — BGB
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet — ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — Decisions and information
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection — Forms and information