Tenants: Ramp & Door Widening in Germany 2025

Many tenants in Germany face the question of who pays for a ramp or door widening and how financing or cost coverage can be organized. This guide explains in clear language which rights and obligations tenants and landlords have, which funding and support bodies exist in 2025, and which official applications are useful. You will receive practical steps for obtaining the landlord's consent, documenting need, and submitting funding applications or objections. The notes refer to applicable German law and competent authorities so you can make secure decisions and make your living situation more accessible. If needed, you will find links to authorities and sample templates at the end.

Who pays for a ramp or door widening?

There are four common routes: the tenant pays, the landlord covers costs, public funding is applied for, or costs are shared. Legally, general tenancy law rules from the BGB and procedural routes via the ZPO apply in dispute cases.^[1][2]

• Private financing by the tenant (payment): You can carry out alterations at your own expense if the landlord agrees or a contractual arrangement exists.
• Landlord consent (application): Request permission in writing and attach plans and cost estimates.
• Public funding (payment): Care insurance, the social services office, or municipal authorities can grant grants or loans.
• Partial cost coverage by third parties: In individual cases, the landlord covers parts as modernization measures.

How to apply for funding and what forms exist?

Apply for funding early and in writing; medical certificates or proof of impairment are often required. Responsible bodies are the care insurance, the social services office, or municipal housing assistance. Some programs require concrete cost estimates and technical plans. Submit photos, medical certificates, and a professional cost estimate.

If the landlord refuses, document the reasons in writing, obtain expert opinions, and consider objection or litigation at the local court as a tenancy matter.^[2]

Practical steps for tenants

1. Document need: collect photos, medical certificate and cost estimates.
2. Send a written request to the landlord and set a deadline (application).
3. Submit funding applications (payment) to care insurance, social services office or municipal authority and keep copies.
4. If refused, seek legal advice and consider court action at the local court.

FAQ

Can the landlord prohibit a ramp?

The landlord cannot prohibit arbitrarily; however, they may assert structural conditions or safety concerns. Check your rights under the BGB and document your need.^[1]

Are there state subsidies for renovations?

Yes. Care insurance, social services offices and municipal programs offer grants or loans; conditions vary by state and individual case.^[3]

What if the landlord refuses?

Request a written justification, provide evidence, and consider filing suit at the local court; observe legal deadlines.^[2]

How-To

1. Step 1: determine and document need (photos, certificate, cost estimate).
2. Step 2: send a written request to the landlord with a deadline and attach estimates.
3. Step 3: file funding applications with care insurance or social services office (payment) and add supporting documents.
4. Step 4: evaluate legal options and, if necessary, prepare a claim at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Hotline: BGB online — Gesetze im Internet
• Hotline: ZPO online — Gesetze im Internet
• Hotline: BMAS information on support and financing

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) — Information on support