Accessible Evacuation Plan: Tips for Tenants Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you often face the question of how to design an evacuation plan to be accessible and what funding is available for it. This text explains clearly which common mistakes tenants can avoid, which authorities are responsible and which forms may be relevant. You will receive concrete action steps on how to check funding applications, report defects and represent your interests with landlords and authorities. The aim is to give you confidence with deadlines, documentation and communication so that accessible measures do not fail on paper but are practically implemented. We name laws, courts and official contact points in Germany so you can proceed immediately.

What is an accessible evacuation plan?

An accessible evacuation plan describes routes, assistance and responsibilities so that people with mobility or sensory impairments can safely leave a building. As a tenant, you should check whether the plan exists for your building, who created it and whether measures are regulated in the rental contract or house rules.

Common mistakes and how tenants can avoid them

1. No written defect notice

Many tenants report problems only verbally; this loses evidential value. Send a written defect notice by e‑mail or registered mail and keep copies.

• Document defects with date, location and photos.
• Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and request confirmation.
• Specify a reasonable deadline for remedying the defects.

2. Not checking or misapplying funding

Funding under the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) can support accessible conversions; check responsibility and deadlines before starting work^[3]. Apply for grants in time and attach cost estimates.

• Compare grant conditions and personal contributions.
• Submit complete documents, otherwise rejection may occur.

3. Underestimating deadlines and responsibilities

In disputes over repairs, access or termination, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are responsible; clarify deadlines and procedural steps early^[2]. There are tight time frames for rent reduction or eviction suits.

• Find out which local court has jurisdiction.
• Respond to letters within stated deadlines.

4. Confusing accessibility and safety

Accessible escape routes must be safe and practical; raise issues and suggest concrete improvements, such as ramp-capable exits or visual cues.

• Check fire protection requirements before changes.
• Ensure doors and locks allow accessible use.

Forms and templates (official)

Relevant official documents tenants should know:

• Housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS): Application at the local housing authority to check eligibility for subsidized housing; example: you need the WBS to verify entitlement to subsidized housing.
• Application under the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG): Application for grants or loans for accessible measures at the competent housing promotion office; attach cost estimates.
• Defect notice / request for remedy: Can be informal, but written form with a deadline is useful; example: e‑mail with photo, 14‑day deadline, request for confirmation.

Legal bases are set out in the German Civil Code (BGB), in particular the landlord's duties and tenant rights in case of defects^[1].

FAQ

Who pays for accessible measures in the rental relationship?

It depends on agreements, funding opportunities and the condition of the rental item; landlords often have maintenance duties, and funding can provide grants.

Can I demand the installation of a ramp?

You can ask the landlord in writing for consent and check funding; permanent structural changes usually require the landlord's approval.

What to do if the landlord does not respond?

Send a formal defect notice with a deadline, document everything and consider legal action at the local court if necessary.

How-To

1. Document the need: collect photos, descriptions and concrete problems.
2. Write a formal defect notice to the landlord and set a clear deadline.
3. Check possible funding (WoFG) and apply for grants before starting work.
4. If there is no response: seek advice and consider court action at the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Document and communicate early and clearly.
• Secure funding commitments before conversion.
• Observe fire safety and legal requirements.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)

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1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a
2. [2] Justizportal – Informationen zu Amtsgerichten und Zuständigkeiten
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)