EV Charging Cables: Tenants' Rights in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder whether they may run an EV charging cable across the courtyard, who is liable for damage, and what the house rules allow. This guide explains in plain language your rights as a tenant, the landlord's obligations under tenancy law, and concrete steps you can take immediately, such as documentation, written requests to the landlord, and which courts are competent. The information refers to applicable German law and shows practical sample paths to avoid or resolve conflicts securely without prior legal knowledge.

Rights and obligations for EV charging cables

Whether laying an EV charging cable in the courtyard is permitted depends on several factors: the lease, the house rules and whether the cable affects other tenants or communal areas. Under tenancy law, the landlord has the duty to enable the use of the rental property, while communal areas must not be disproportionately affected^[1].

Practical points tenants should check

• Document location, photos and date (document) before discussing measures.
• Send a short written request to the landlord (notice) and ask for approval or a statement.
• Clarify technical aspects: cable routing, protective conduits and fire safety (repair).
• Observe safety requirements and any house rule prohibitions (safety).

How to request permission

Write a short email or letter to the landlord with concrete points: where the cable should run, which protective measures will be taken and how long the cable is needed. Attach photos and proposals for safe routing. Request a response within about 14 days to be able to prove deadlines later^[1].

If the landlord refuses or does not respond

If the landlord does not respond or refuses without justification, follow up in writing and, if necessary, mention the local conciliation office or the competent Amtsgericht. For serious safety or liability questions legal advice may be necessary; in disputes the Amtsgerichte are the first point of contact for tenancy matters^[2].

FAQ

May I, as a tenant, lay an EV charging cable through the courtyard?

It depends on the lease, the house rules and the degree of interference; often the landlord's written consent is required.

Who is liable for damage caused by a cable?

Generally the person who caused the damage is liable; clarify liability in writing in advance and document condition and protective measures.

What deadlines apply if I file a lawsuit?

Civil claim deadlines follow the ZPO; for eviction or payment claims the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply^[3].

How-To

1. Document the situation with photos, descriptions and date (document).
2. Send a written request to the landlord with proposals for safe routing (notice).
3. Check technical requirements and offer protective measures such as conduits or cable ducts (repair).
4. If refusal persists, consider conciliation or filing suit at the Amtsgericht (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO and other legal bases)
• Justizportal: information on courts and competencies
• Federal Court of Justice: case law and judgments

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Justizportal — Courts and Competencies (Amtsgerichte)
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Procedural rules