Tenant Checklist: Drill Holes & Anchors in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you often face the question of whether and how you may attach pictures, shelves or lamps to walls. This checklist explains step by step which rights and obligations you have when drilling holes and using anchors, how to avoid damage and which evidentiary duties are important when moving out. We explain when you need landlord consent, how to initiate procedures for damage claims and which official laws and courts are relevant. Read the practical action steps and templates so you can plan drilling work safely and represent yourself correctly in disputes in Germany.
What you need to know
As a tenant, you have duties to use the rental property carefully and to avoid damage; the legal foundations are set out in the German Civil Code (BGB).[1] For disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is generally responsible for civil rental disputes.[3]
- Before drilling: check the tenancy agreement and clauses relating to drilled holes.
- Obtain consent if the contract or landlord requires it.
- Use suitable anchors and load classes, especially for heavy shelves.
- Take photos before and after drilling and note the date.
- When in doubt, ask a specialist about wall construction and load capacity.
Document photos and dates before and after drilling.
Damage, liability and reinstatement
Damage from improper drilling can give rise to landlord claims for damages; the legal duties for maintenance and damages are regulated by the BGB.[1] Whether and to what extent you must reinstate the property on moving out depends on the tenancy agreement and any individual arrangements.
- Liability: landlords can claim compensation for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Reinstatement: contractual wording often determines whether anchors and screws must be removed.
- Documentation improves your defence in a dispute about costs.
How to assert damage claims
If you, as a tenant, discover defects caused by improperly set anchors or by the landlord's work, report them in writing with photo evidence. Request a deadline for remediation or cost reimbursement and keep records. For court action, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply.[2]
- Report in writing: attach date, location and photos.
- Set a deadline: 14 to 30 days is common, depending on the damage.
- If refused: obtain a cost estimate and consider legal steps.
Respond to documents within deadlines or you may suffer disadvantages in proceedings.
FAQ
- May I drill without permission?
- That depends on the tenancy agreement; attaching small pictures is often allowed, but heavy installations usually require the landlord's consent.
- Who pays for wall damage?
- The landlord can generally claim compensation if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear; the exact assessment is based on photos and expert reports.
- Is there a deadline for reporting damage?
- Defects should be reported immediately, at the latest within a few weeks, in writing; the earlier, the better for evidentiary purposes.
How-To
- Check your tenancy agreement for clauses on drilled holes and reinstatement obligations.
- Take photos of the wall before starting and note date and place.
- Obtain the landlord's consent in writing if required.
- Use appropriate anchors and load specifications or have professionals carry out the installation.
- When moving out: compare photos and, if necessary, perform repairs or touch-ups.
Key takeaways
- Clarify permission before drilling.
- Secure photo evidence before and after work.
- Observe deadlines and collect evidence in disputes.
Help and Support
- BGB: Text of §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
- ZPO: Code of Civil Procedure — Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Court information
