Tenant Checklist: Facade & Roof Insulation Germany

What Tenants Should Check

Before you as a tenant agree to a modernization for facade or roof insulation, you should specifically check which works are planned, how long the notification deadlines run and whether maintenance or modernization measures are being distinguished. Document all correspondence and dates and request detailed descriptions and cost estimates if there are uncertainties.

• Check notification and objection deadlines so you can respond in time.
• Clarify cost allocation: which modernization costs are passed on and in what amount?
• Check distinction: are measures maintenance or real modernization with rent increases?
• Request official announcements and forms and check them for completeness.
• Collect evidence: photos, defect reports and quotes from tradespeople.

Rights, Costs and Deadlines

As a tenant, your rights arise from the BGB; in particular landlords are obliged to carry out modernizations correctly, but they must announce them properly and distribute costs according to tenancy law rules^[1]. In disputes over payment or eviction it may be necessary to consider legal action; in such cases the procedural rules of the ZPO apply^[2].

If modernization rent increases are announced, tenants often have the right to file objections, claim hardship exceptions or request disclosures of profitability calculations. Use deadlines for formal objections and request proof of costs and execution.

Practical Steps Before Signing

Preparation

Proceed in a structured way: read the announcement completely, note deadlines and request missing documents. Request a precise scope of work and, if necessary, an inspection by independent tradespeople.

• Request forms and announcements in writing and note deadlines.
• Create records and photos of the condition before work begins.
• Contact the landlord: ask questions in writing and document answers.

FAQ

Can the landlord simply pass the costs of the insulation on to me?

The landlord can under certain conditions pass part of the costs onto tenants as a modernization allocation; check the calculation basis and request the cost breakdown. In case of uncertainty, legal advice or the local Amtsgericht can help^[3].

What deadlines apply for objections or hardship applications?

Announcements usually contain specific deadlines; respond in writing within these deadlines if you want to file an objection or claim hardship.

Which official forms are important?

For court actions or formal objections, standardized pleadings are useful; find sample forms and submit complete evidence.

How-To

1. Step 1: Read the announcement completely and note deadlines.
2. Step 2: Create photos and defect reports and obtain quotes.
3. Step 3: Send written questions to the landlord and document responses.
4. Step 4: If necessary, consider timely legal action or objection at the local court.

Key Points

• Deadlines are binding and must be observed.
• Cost allocation is reviewable; request evidence.
• Documentation (photos, emails, quotes) is crucial.

Help & Support / Resources

• Gesetze: BGB (Tenancy law, modernization)
• Gesetze: ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions on tenancy law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Amtsgericht und örtliche Zuständigkeit - Justiz
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - Decisions