Tenant Rights for E-Charging at Parking in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should check when moving in whether an E-charging point at the parking space is agreed and what rights and obligations result. Clarify costs, power supply, technical requirements and who bears the installation early with the landlord. Document agreements in writing in the lease or as an addendum and request documents on installation, billing and liability. Official rules and the local court can help if uncertain. If the landlord must consent, note deadlines and forms; for technical defects check rent reduction rights. This approach protects your tenant rights, reduces later conflicts and makes enforcement easier in disputes.

What to agree when moving in

Before signing, clarify whether the parking space includes an E-charging point or whether structural changes are permitted. Agreements should include cost allocation, installation, billing and removal.

• Clearly regulate cost sharing for installation and ongoing electricity, including installation, grid fees and meters.
• Record the landlord's written consent as an addendum to the lease; without consent later conflicts may arise.
• Define technical minimum requirements and certified installers to ensure safety and insurance coverage.
• Documentation: keep protocols, photos and invoices to simplify evidence.
• Liability and removal: set rules who is liable for damage and who must remove the charging point when moving out.

Legal basis

For structural changes by tenants, § 554 BGB is particularly relevant as it governs landlord consent^[1]. General tenancy duties and rights are set out in the BGB provisions on rental agreements (§§ 535–580a) and procedural rules in the Code of Civil Procedure for court actions^[2].

What to do if the landlord refuses?

Try to reach an amicable solution and document conversations. If no agreement is reached, the local court is an option for many tenancy disputes^[3].

Practical agreements and templates

Concrete points to include in an addendum:

• Who pays for purchase and installation?
• How is electricity billed (separate meter, allocation, direct contract)?
• Which technical standards are binding (safety measures, charging capacity)?
• Rules for liability, insurance and removal at move-out.

FAQ

Who pays for installation of the E-charging point?

This must be agreed contractually; absent an agreement, generally the party initiating the structural change bears the costs.

Can the landlord prohibit the installation?

The landlord cannot refuse arbitrarily; § 554 BGB regulates the consent requirement and conditions for refusal^[1].

Where to turn in case of dispute about consent?

For unresolved conflicts, the local court is responsible; prior to that, keep written exchanges and deadlines documented^[3].

How-To

1. Request the landlord's consent in writing and provide the required technical details.
2. Set a reasonable deadline for a reply (e.g., 14 days) and document it.
3. Collect quotes and proof of qualified installation.
4. Agree the cost sharing in writing, including electricity billing.
5. If refused, record the refusal in writing and consider legal steps.
6. After consent, have a certified installer perform the work and keep all invoices.

Help and Support / Resources

• § 554 BGB - Consent to structural changes
• BGB §535 ff. - Tenancy law (excerpt)
• Local courts - responsibilities and information

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1. [1] BGB §554 - Consent to structural changes
2. [2] BGB §535 ff. - Tenancy law (excerpt)
3. [3] Local courts - responsibilities and information