Ramp & Door Widening for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany need ramps or wider doors to remove barriers in older buildings. This article explains in plain terms what rights tenants have, which legal foundations apply and which practical steps are possible. You will get guidance on documenting the apartment condition, making a formal request to the landlord, deadlines and checking funding or assistance options. We name the competent courts and official legal texts and show which documents you should prepare when taking action. The aim is for you as a tenant to remain informed and able to act, whether you seek an amicable solution or a court decision.

Why ramps and door widenings matter

Accessible entrances increase independence and safety for people with mobility limitations. In older buildings, door widths or step-free access are often missing, so modifications are necessary. As a tenant, you have an interest in the usability of your home; landlords have property rights. The goal is to find a practical solution that balances both.

Legal basis

The most important legal basis is the German Civil Code (BGB), especially regarding the landlord's duties and structural changes. If disputes arise about measures or cost responsibility, civil procedure rules may apply. For precedents and interpretations, higher court decisions should be consulted.^[1][2][3]

How tenants can enforce the modification

Proceed methodically: document, request in writing, set a deadline, check funding options, and, if necessary, pursue court action. This order helps avoid conflicts and secures evidence.

• Take dated photos and measurements of the entrance and door widths.
• Send a written request to the landlord describing the measure and specifying a deadline.
• Specify a reasonable deadline (for example, 14–30 days) for response or implementation.
• Check whether costs are covered fully or partially by social benefits, rehabilitation funds or grant programs.
• If necessary, consider legal action at the competent local court.

Forms and applications

There is no single nationwide "modification permit" for tenants, but relevant forms and application routes include:

• Applications for participation services or home adaptation under SGB IX or SGB XII (depending on eligibility).
• Forms for legal aid (process cost assistance) if court proceedings become necessary.
• Contact forms of local social services or the social welfare office for help and funding advice.

Examples: Application forms for social benefits and guidance on home adaptations are provided by your municipality or on official state pages; legal aid forms are available on justice ministry websites.

Court steps and jurisdiction

For disputes about consent or cost allocation, the local Amtsgericht (district court) is usually competent in the first instance for tenancy matters. Higher instances are the Landgericht and the Federal Court of Justice for legal questions and precedents.^[2][3]

Practical tips for talks with the landlord

• Propose practical solutions, e.g. temporary ramps or easily reversible door widenings.
• If the landlord objects in writing, ask for a detailed explanation of the reasons.
• Inform yourself about funding programs and inform your landlord about possible cost-sharing.

FAQ

Can I as a tenant demand a ramp or door widening?

Under certain conditions, yes: you can ask the landlord for consent and, if there are legitimate reasons for accessibility, file documented requests or enforce them in court if necessary.

Who pays for the modification?

It depends on the individual case, the lease, health situation and funding options. Social benefit agencies or grant programs sometimes cover costs; otherwise tenants and landlords may negotiate cost-sharing.

Which deadlines are important?

Give the landlord a clear, reasonable deadline for a response (for example 14–30 days) and document the sending of the request.

How-To

1. Document the current condition with photos, measurements and a short report.
2. Send a written request to the landlord with a precise description and deadline.
3. Check funding options and apply to social services or rehabilitation agencies if relevant.
4. If no agreement is reached, consider initiating a legal proceeding at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de