Installing Satellite Dish: Tenant Rights Germany

As a tenant in Germany you may often want to install a satellite dish, for private TV reception or foreign channels. It is frequently unclear when the landlord must consent and what rules in the house rules apply. This guide explains in plain language how to enforce rights by posting a notice, which deadlines to observe, which official forms and courts are responsible, and how to practically resolve mounting and neighbor interests. We show simple steps for documentation, sample cases for written correspondence with the landlord and when a local court may be involved. This helps you, as a tenant, keep track and represent your interests factually and securely. Practical templates and notes on cost allocation are provided below. Read on for step-by-step instructions.

Rights and obligations regarding satellite dishes

Fundamentally, the rules of tenancy law in the German Civil Code (BGB) apply to maintenance and use of the rented property; specific provisions on termination, rent reduction and duties are in §§ 535–580a.^[1] Many house rules explicitly regulate antennas and satellite dishes. If no rule exists, tenants may, under certain conditions, install a satellite dish if it does not cause disproportionate disadvantages to the landlord or other tenants.

Quick steps

• Check your lease and house rules (form)
• Inform the landlord in writing and announce the notice (notice)
• Clarify mounting location and structural safety (repair)
• Take photos before and after installation as evidence (evidence)
• Observe deadlines and document response times (time)
• If dispute: consider filing at the local court (court)^[2]

If the landlord objects, check whether the prohibition is reasonably justified (facade protection, stability, technical interference). For purely visual objections, compromises such as mounting on the balcony railing or an accepted mast may be possible.

How to design the notice

A notice serves to make your intention transparent and fix deadlines in writing. It should include date, exact installation time, the mounting location, contact person and a deadline for comments. Sample text: "On 15/06/2025 I intend to install a satellite dish on the balcony exterior wall (Apartment No. 3). Please state any objections in writing within 14 days." Keep proof of posting (photo, witnesses).

Official forms and when to use them

There are rarely special forms for extrajudicial steps; for court proceedings you use the standard complaint forms of the local court (civil claim forms). Example: If the landlord persistently refuses installation despite reasonable arguments, you may bring an action for declaration or eviction-related issues at the local court; corresponding complaint forms and filing instructions exist.^[3] Always note the deadline and your contact details in the notice to simplify later filings.

Documentation: What to collect

• Photos of the mounting location before and after installation (evidence)
• Written correspondence with the landlord and a copy of the notice (form)
• Date and deadline proofs (time)
• Witnesses or contacts who can confirm the notice (call)

FAQ

Do I always need the landlord's consent?

Not in all cases. Consent is required if the installation alters the substance of the rental item or the house rules prohibit attachment; for simple, non-intrusive installations a notice and documentation can be sufficient.

Who pays for installation and removal?

Usually the tenant bears the cost of purchase and installation; a cost-sharing agreement with the landlord is possible. The party causing damage is liable.

When is the local court competent?

The local court handles most tenancy disputes in the first instance, such as eviction claims or declaratory actions; procedural rules are in the ZPO.^[2]

How-To

1. Check lease and house rules for antenna clauses (form).
2. Inform the landlord in writing and post a dated notice (notice).
3. Arrange technical mounting and safety with a specialist (repair).
4. Document photos and received responses as evidence (evidence).
5. If the landlord refuses: consider filing at the local court (court) or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – German Civil Code (BGB) (legal reference)
• Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) (procedural rules)
• Justizportal – courts and forms information (official portal)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Justizportal – Informationen zu Gerichten und Formularen