Retrofitting Elevator: Tenant Aid in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the problem that older apartment buildings have no elevator, which limits daily life. As a tenant you often ask: who pays for retrofitting, which grants are available, and what steps must be taken? This article clearly explains which rights tenants have under the BGB, which public programs and bank funding options are relevant for barrier-free construction, and how you as a tenant can proceed concretely to achieve or support a retrofit. I list deadlines, contacts and typical forms, show examples of applications and explain when a court, such as the local court (Amtsgericht), becomes involved. This way you know what options exist in Germany and how to protect your claims.

Who pays for the retrofit?

As a rule, the maintenance and modernization of a rented property is the owner's responsibility; this is regulated by the BGB.^[1] Tenants can request improvements if usability is restricted. Public funding rules such as the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) also play a role, for example for publicly subsidized apartments.^[2]

Funding and applications

Various funding programs may apply for installing an elevator, such as KfW grants or BEG measures via BAFA and KfW. The "Altersgerecht Umbauen" program (KfW, program 159) is particularly relevant; applications are usually submitted by the property owner, not individual tenants.^[3] Practically, this means: as a tenant you should inform the landlord in writing about funding options, attach quotes and ask for a joint review of applications. Forms and funding conditions vary; check criteria such as owner responsibility, tenant protection and funding amounts in the specific program.

Practical steps

1. First talk to the landlord and document the need in writing, including affected apartments.
2. Check funding programs such as KfW/BEG together and inform the landlord about possible grants or low-interest loans.^[3]
3. Collect photos, quotes from specialist companies and statements from affected tenants as evidence.
4. The owner submits the funding application and commissions a specialist company; as a tenant you can offer support and set deadlines.
5. If the landlord refuses or does not respond: set a reasonable deadline and consider legal steps; for tenancy disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is often the first instance.^[4]

FAQ

Can a tenant demand the installation of an elevator?

A tenant can indicate the need and insist on remedying defects or improvements; in principle the financing is usually the owners responsibility under the BGB.^[1]

Who can apply for funding for an elevator?

Funding is generally applied for by the owner or homeowner association. Tenants cannot normally submit the application directly but should inform landlords about programs and provide documents.^[3]

What can I do if the landlord does not respond?

Set a written deadline, document the need and seek legal advice. If necessary, legal action can be taken; the local court is usually the first instance.^[4]

How-To

1. Document the need with photos, tenant statements and specific limitations.
2. Write to the landlord, attach quotes and point to possible funding programs like KfW Program 159.^[3]
3. Ask for a decision deadline and offer help coordinating with specialist companies and authorities.
4. If no agreement is reached, consider legal steps and prepare documents for a possible procedure.

Help and Support

• BGB: Legal text and regulations
• BAFA: Information on energy and building funding
• KfW: Altersgerecht Umbauen (Program 159)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] KfW: Program "Altersgerecht Umbauen" (159)
4. [4] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) and court jurisdictions