Service Dog Access: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, allowing a service dog can raise questions about tenancy law, funding and the correct procedure. This practical guide takes you through five clear steps: evidence, communication with your landlord, applying for financial support and, if necessary, legally enforcing your rights. I explain which documents tenants need, how to obtain medical certificates, which deadlines to observe and how to apply for social funding. There are practical templates, recommendations for interacting with your landlord and guidance on how to proceed at the local court so you can check and assert your rights in Germany confidently and without a lawyer.

Five steps to allow a service dog

1. Collect all medical evidence, doctor letters and documents that demonstrate the need for a service dog.
2. Obtain a clear medical certificate or attestation describing the need; mention specific limitations and which tasks the dog will perform.
3. Check possible funding options (e.g., integration assistance) and apply for financial support at the responsible social authority or office.
4. Inform the landlord in writing, present the evidence and offer a clarifying conversation; document all correspondence.
5. If no agreement is possible, consider enforcing your rights in court; the court often decides on reasonableness and exceptions.

Important legal foundations

The legal basis for tenant and landlord obligations is found in the German Civil Code (BGB), particularly the provisions on tenancy (§§ 535–580a).^[1] For court procedures and lawsuits, the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) applies; tenancy disputes are usually heard in the local Amtsgericht (district court).^[2]

Forms and proofs

• Medical attestation: state the diagnosis, limitations and concrete tasks of the service dog.
• Disability ID (if available): applying at the local assessment office can provide additional rights.
• Application for integration assistance / benefits: information and applications are available from the responsible social authority or ministry.

Official information on tenancy law is available in the BGB and procedural guidance on judiciary websites; use these sources to prepare your letters to landlords and authorities.

FAQ

Does the landlord have the right to ban a service dog entirely?

An absolute ban may be unlawful if there is a medical need and the keeping is reasonable; a case-by-case assessment is decisive.

Who pays the costs for a service dog?

In certain cases, social assistance or integration support may cover costs in part; check local funding programs and apply to the social authority.

What evidence helps in a dispute with the landlord?

Medical attestations, expert reports, emails to the landlord, witness statements and proof of funding applications are important.

How-To

1. Collect all medical documents and create an overview of the dog's specific tasks.
2. Have a precise medical attestation issued and copy all documents.
3. Research funding options and submit the funding application to the responsible authority.
4. Write to the landlord, attach evidence and offer a solution.
5. Observe deadlines; respond to landlord letters within stated timeframes.
6. If necessary, prepare a lawsuit or seek interim relief at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB and other legal texts
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – official site
• Justice portal: information on district courts and procedures

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Official Website