Satellite Dish: Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants face the question whether a satellite dish on a balcony or facade is allowed and how to resolve conflicts in a multi-unit building in a legally secure way. This guide explains in plain language which rights and duties tenants in Germany have toward landlords and neighbors, which forms and deadlines matter, and how you can reach amicable solutions. We describe practical steps from talking with the building management to written requests and possible clarification before the local court. Concrete sample texts, tips for documenting consents or refusals, and references to relevant BGB rules help you keep your tenancy calm and legally secure. Practical.

Legal situation

Under tenancy law, among other rules, the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a^[1] determines which maintenance and use issues must be regulated between tenant and landlord. Interventions on the facade or balcony can require consent; details depend on the lease, house rules and heritage protection. If regulations are unclear, a written clarification is advisable.

Before installation: consent and communication

Before installing a satellite dish, proceed systematically and communicate in writing with all parties involved.

• Submit a written request to the landlord (form or letter) and ask for a response within 14 days.
• Talk to neighbors and clarify potential disturbances.
• Hire a certified installation company that can prove secure mounting and insurance.
• Document the location, photos, written permissions and agreed arrangements.

If the landlord refuses

If the landlord refuses installation, first check the lease and house rules. If no agreement is reached, disputes must be resolved civilly; procedures to clarify rights and duties follow the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[2]. For fundamental questions of interpretation, a decision of the Federal Court of Justice may be relevant (BGH)^[3].

Forms and templates

There is no official form just for satellite dishes. Common practice is a clearly dated written request or a template letter to the landlord. Sample wording:

Sample text: "I hereby request written consent to attach a satellite dish to my balcony (dimensions/location), to be installed by a qualified company. Please inform me of your decision within 14 days."

If no agreement is reached, filing a lawsuit at the competent local court under the ZPO may be necessary. In such cases, legal advice is recommended.

FAQ

May I as a tenant install a satellite dish?

It depends on the lease, house rules and the location of the dish; in most cases landlord consent is required.[1]

What if the landlord refuses?

Try an amicable solution first, document everything in writing; as a last resort, clarification before the local court is an option.[2]

What deadlines apply?

There is no uniform deadline; request a written answer, for example within 14 days, and observe that timeframe.

How-To

1. Draft and send a written request to the landlord with exact details of the location and the installation company.
2. Seek a clarifying conversation with neighbors and record any objections.
3. Only allow installation by a qualified company.
4. Keep all documents, photos and correspondence.
5. If necessary, consider filing a claim at the local court under the ZPO.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a (Gesetze im Internet)
• ZPO (Gesetze im Internet)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)