Accessible Bathroom Planning: Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany want to renovate their bathroom to be more accessible to improve daily life and mobility. This text explains which documents you should collect, which funding options are possible, and how to correctly submit applications to authorities. We describe which proofs landlords and courts expect, how to demonstrate defects and needs, and which rights arise from tenancy law. The goal is to give tenants clear steps: from photos and cost estimates to medical certificates and deadlines up to legal enforcement. The language remains simple; practical examples help with filling out forms and dealing with landlords and authorities in Germany.

Why documentation matters

Good documentation protects your rights as a tenant: it shows condition, costs and urgency of measures. If a landlord must agree or a dispute goes to court, chronologically ordered photos, timestamps and written requests matter. Tenancy law in Germany governs duties and rights of tenant and landlord and forms the basis for many decisions.^[1]

What evidence to collect

• Photos and videos with timestamps of defects and the room layout.
• Cost estimates and quotations from specialist companies for conversion and aids.
• Medical certificates or prescriptions that confirm the need for accessibility.
• Correspondence with the landlord: requests, responses, deadlines and proof of delivery.
• Invoices and payment receipts if you have already paid for measures.

Applications and funding

There are federal and state programs for accessible conversions, for example funding via KfW or municipal grants. Read the funding rules carefully and collect the required attachments before submitting your application.^[3] When it comes to rights and duties in the tenancy relationship, the relevant provisions of the BGB are decisive; in disputes the Code of Civil Procedure may prescribe the route to the local court.^[1][2]

If the landlord does not agree

If the landlord refuses consent, document the reasons in writing and consider alternatives like partial solutions or compensation. As a tenant you can, under certain conditions, seek judicial clarification; tenancy cases are usually handled in the first instance by the local court.^[4]

How-To

1. Take photos and videos of the bathroom condition and note date and time.
2. Obtain at least two cost estimates from specialist companies.
3. Obtain medical certificates or prescriptions if medical reasons apply.
4. Inform the landlord in writing, attach evidence and set a reasonable deadline.
5. If necessary: resolve the case at the local court and use the evidence from your documentation.

FAQ

Which funding can I apply for as a tenant?

You can apply for grants or loans for age-appropriate or accessible conversions, for example via KfW programs or municipal funding; conditions vary by program.

Does the landlord always need to give consent?

In many cases the landlord's written consent is required, especially for structural changes to the rental property.

What do I do if the landlord refuses?

Document the refusal, seek a conversation and consider legal steps; tenancy cases are usually heard at the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Early and complete documentation simplifies funding applications and legal steps.
• Cost estimates and receipts are essential for grant approval.
• Written communication with the landlord creates traceability and deadline security.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
• KfW: Accessible & Age-Appropriate Renovation Programs
• Federal Court (BGH) – Tenancy Decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] KfW Förderprogramme: Altersgerecht Umbauen — KfW
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions on Tenancy Law