Planning Accessible Bathroom for Tenants in Germany

Accessible Bathroom: Rights and Planning

As a tenant, you may propose renovations or arrange them yourself if they increase accessibility. Many measures require landlord consent, funding applications and clear agreements with the landlord. The legal basis for tenancy agreements and tenant obligations can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB §§ 535–580a).^[1]

Which funding options exist?

Funding comes from the federal government, states or municipalities and includes grants, low-interest loans and tax relief. Check the eligibility and deadlines before applying.

• Check grants for home adaptation or integration assistance (payment).
• Apply for low-interest loans from public funding programs (payment).
• Prepare cost estimates and proof of own contribution (payment).

Forms and applications

Important forms include the funding application under the Housing Promotion Act, applications at social services and, if necessary, a short informal building application letter to the municipality.^[3]

• Funding application under WoFG: submit the form to the responsible state or municipality (application).
• Application at the social services: example for grants in cases of special need (application).
• Written consent of the landlord or agreement on cost sharing (application).

Rights, obligations, courts

Contract changes and modernizations affect tenancy law, especially regarding modernization notices and cost allocation. In case of disputes, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are the first instance; procedural rules are set out in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[2] Important decisions of the Federal Court of Justice shape practice.^[4]

FAQ

Can the landlord forbid alterations?

The landlord may not refuse consent without good reason; for significant interventions his consent is generally required.

Who pays for the renovation?

Grants and social benefits can cover costs; often there is a personal contribution or cost sharing between tenant and landlord.

What deadlines apply to funding applications?

Deadlines vary by program; submit applications before work begins and observe approval deadlines.

How-To

1. Research suitable funding programs and read the eligibility requirements carefully (application).
2. Document the current condition with photos and written defect descriptions (document).
3. Discuss early with the landlord and present a written plan (call).
4. Prepare cost estimates and submit funding applications on time (payment).
5. In case of dispute: file documents at the local court or seek legal advice (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) – Tenancy Law
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Decisions and Information