Elevator Retrofit: Checklist for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may encounter questions about costs, liability and evidence obligations when retrofitting an elevator. This guide shows step by step which documents, photos and forms you should collect, how to observe deadlines and which official authorities or courts you can involve in case of disputes. The texts explain in plain language when the landlord is responsible, which provisions of the BGB are relevant and how to document communication and repair needs in writing. At the end you will find practical templates, deadline tips and a clear checklist so you can protect your rights and present evidence cleanly in a dispute. Specific form details and court contacts are listed below.

What should tenants document?

Consistently documented evidence helps to enforce claims and avoid misunderstandings. Note date, time, names of contacts and keep photos and invoices. Statutory tenant and landlord duties arise, among other places, from the provisions of the BGB.^[1]

• Photos of damage and the construction site (photo)
• Invoices, quotes and receipts (receipt)
• Written communication with landlord and administration (form)
• Record deadlines and appointments (deadline)
• Contact details for contractors, caretakers and witnesses (call)

Forms and official steps

If you wish to assert claims or oppose improper charges, certain forms and deadlines are important. The rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply to court proceedings.^[2] Many procedures start at the competent local court; there you will find information on local jurisdiction and forms.^[3]

• Termination or objection: sample letters (template as a starting point)
• Evidence files: chronological storage of photos, invoices and witness statements (evidence)
• Submissions to the local court: check local forms and guidance (file)

FAQ

Who pays for retrofitting an elevator?

In principle, the landlord is responsible for modernisations; cost allocations may be possible under certain conditions, so check your rental contract carefully.

Can I reduce the rent if access is restricted?

If the usability is impaired, rent reductions may be possible; document the scope and duration and inform the landlord in writing.

When should I involve the local court?

If an out-of-court agreement cannot be reached and it concerns rights or eviction claims, the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first competent forum for tenancy disputes.

How-To

1. Collect photos and date information immediately and store them securely.
2. Inform the landlord in writing, describe defects and set a deadline for remedy (formal by e-mail and registered mail if necessary).
3. Track deadlines and document appointments.
4. If no agreement is reached, consider filing a complaint with the local court and refer to your documentation.
5. For important documents: arrange certified copies or witness statements.
6. File submissions with the evidence attached or seek assistance from an official advisory service.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Justice portal of the federal states — justiz.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justizportal der Länder — justiz.de
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de