Tenants: Accessible Evacuation Plan in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you are entitled to have an evacuation plan in your building that also protects people with disabilities. This text explains clearly which documents, deadlines and formal steps are necessary, how to negotiate with the property management or the condominium owners' association (WEG) and which proofs you should collect. We explain which official forms are relevant, how to calculate deadlines and which authorities you can contact so that the plan can be implemented accessibly. The guidance helps you organize applications, evidence and appointments and, if necessary, act with legal certainty without legal jargon. We also show which laws (e.g. §§ 535–580a BGB)^[1] and which courts are competent in disputes so that you can observe deadlines and forms correctly.

What tenants should do

Start early and document needs and proposals in writing. An accessible evacuation plan in a WEG building is usually created by a resolution of the owners; as a tenant, you should therefore inform property management and the WEG, justify your needs and present concrete proposals for accessibility.

Important documents

• Copy of the tenancy agreement and minutes of previous owners' meetings.
• Medical certificate or disability ID as proof of support needs.
• Photo documentation of stairs, corridors and accesses that shows obstacles.
• Written request to the property management or a formal request to include the topic on the agenda of the owners' meeting (form).

Deadlines and timing

Request that the topic be placed on the agenda in good time before the next owners' meeting and submit all documents at least two weeks in advance, unless the WEG rules provide other deadlines. Respond to confirmations of receipt and request written dates if necessary.

How to proceed formally

Draft a clear application that names the accessible need, concrete proposals (e.g., escape route width, tactile guidance systems, evacuation aids) and a cost estimate or request for cost estimates. Ask property management to forward it to the WEG and to record it in the minutes of the meeting.

If the WEG refuses

If no resolution is reached, check your rights: in many cases legal enforcement is possible, especially if there is significant danger or necessary safety-related modernization. Local courts (Amtsgerichte) are often competent in the first instance for tenancy matters.^[2]

FAQ

Who pays for adjustments to the evacuation plan?

Often the WEG decides on cost distribution; in many cases structural changes are communal measures that must be coordinated under WEG law.

Can I force the WEG to pass a resolution as a tenant?

As a tenant you can submit requests and push for implementation; judicial clarification is possible if the WEG violates its duties or if hazards exist.

Which deadlines matter for complaints or lawsuits?

Observe submission deadlines for applications and limitation periods; procedural deadlines follow the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[3]

How-To

1. Collect documents: tenancy agreement, medical certificates, photos and prior minutes.
2. Draft application: describe need, proposals and cost notes in writing.
3. Submit: send application to property management and ask for inclusion in the WEG agenda.
4. Follow up: check the minutes; if refused observe deadlines and consider legal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Information on courts and local courts
• Federal Government – Information on safety and building protection

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions and information