Tenant Checklist: Challenge Energy Retrofit Germany

Are you a tenant in Germany affected by a planned energy retrofit? This guide explains in clear, practical language which rights tenants have, how to review retrofit notices, observe deadlines and formally object. You will get concrete steps, evidence tips and information on which official forms are relevant. The goal is for you to act confidently, meet deadlines and, if necessary, prepare for proceedings at the local court. All guidance follows current German law and shows when it is sensible to involve legal advice or the competent authorities.

What does energy retrofit mean?

Energy retrofit refers to landlord measures to improve a building's energy efficiency, such as insulation, new windows or heating replacement. Such measures can benefit tenants but also cause disadvantages: construction work, temporary restrictions or higher ancillary costs. Tenancy law in the BGB regulates landlord and tenant duties.^[1]

What rights do tenants have?

• Check deadlines: the landlord must meet notice periods and provide detailed information.
• Consider rent reduction: a rent reduction may be possible for significant impairments.
• Submit defect notices and objections in writing and set a deadline.
• Create documentation: photos, dates, notes of conversations and witness names.
• Court steps: in disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible; proceedings follow the ZPO.^[2]

Forms and templates

For concrete actions you often need standard documents: a written objection or defect notice and, if necessary, a complaint form for the local court. The civil complaint form and guidance for submission are available on official justice portals.^[3] You can adapt a template defect notice to your situation; always document date and method of delivery (e.g., registered mail).

Grounds for objection and deadlines

You can object to a retrofit if the landlord does not sufficiently justify the measures, fails to consider social hardship, or violates formal notice obligations. Check your lease and the announcement for timelines, scope of work and possible rent adjustments. If in doubt, set a reasonable deadline for remedy or clarification by written defect notice.

How-To

1. Collect documents: announcement, lease, photos of condition before start.
2. Send a formal defect notice or objection with a deadline and deliver it verifiably.
3. Contact the competent local court or legal advice center if the landlord does not respond.
4. Prepare a complaint if necessary: complaint form and evidence ready.^[3]
5. If there are social hardships, state them immediately and provide documentation.

FAQ

Can the landlord simply start the retrofit?

No. The landlord must observe notice periods and provide information; tenants can object to missing details.^[1]

Can I reduce rent because of construction noise?

If the usability is significantly restricted, a rent reduction may be possible. Documentation and a deadline are important.

Where do I turn in case of dispute?

Usually the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; for legal issues the regional court or ultimately the BGH may decide.^[2]

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – §§ 535 ff.
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Procedural rules
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – case law on tenancy

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Procedural rules
3. [3] Justice portal – guidance and civil procedure forms
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – tenancy case law