Tenant Checklist: Ramp & Door Widening in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, it is important to document requests for ramps or door widenings factually. This guide explains step by step how to collect measurements, photos and written requests, which pieces of evidence are useful in court and which official laws and authorities are relevant. You will read how to obtain formal consents, observe deadlines and which pictures and measurement logs can clarify disputes. The checklist is aimed at families with mobility impairments, provides templates for written requests to the landlord and shows how to meaningfully compile evidentiary photos, witness statements and authority contacts. The goal is: to improve your chances of success for consents or funding applications. At the end you will also find instructions for filing applications with authorities.
Checklist: Collecting evidence
Start systematically: collect measurements, photos and correspondence and store everything in one place.
- Photos (photo) with date and room note: front, side and wide shots as well as detail shots of the door frame and floor transition.
- Measurement logs and sketches (document): record door width, corridor dimensions and ramp slope precisely.
- Written request to the landlord (form): state date, desired deadline and the scope of the measure and keep a copy.
- Deadlines and appointments (deadline): document responses, inspection dates and possible deadlines.
- Cost estimates and repair offers (repair): obtain quotes from contractors for ramp or door widening.
- Funding or grant evidence (payment): check for possible grants and save copies of the applications.
- Witness statements and protocols (document): name neighbors or relatives as witnesses and record statements in writing.
- Record access attempts or denials (entry): note date and time and persons involved.
How to request consent
Draft a clear, polite written request to the landlord explaining purpose, scope and desired timeframe. Refer to applicable legal bases if necessary, such as general rights and duties under tenancy law (BGB)[1]. Keep the sent message and proof of dispatch and log responses.
Legal steps and court
If an amicable solution fails, court action may be necessary; tenancy disputes are usually heard in the local court (Amtsgericht), with procedural rules under the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)[2]. Inform yourself early about deadlines and required documents.
- Prepare a claim or application at the competent court (court) and check which court has jurisdiction (local court).
- Attach all evidence in an ordered manner (document): photos, measurement logs, cost estimates, correspondence and witness statements.
- Observe deadlines (deadline): filing deadlines, response times and hearing dates.
FAQ
- Who pays for the modification of a ramp or door widening?
- As a rule: the landlord only bears major structural changes after agreement; check for grants and clarify cost coverage in writing.
- Can the landlord refuse the measure?
- Yes, the landlord can refuse without consent; justified refusals should be given in writing, otherwise legal advice may be necessary.
- Which authorities and courts are responsible?
- For tenancy law, the local court is usually responsible; municipal social and housing offices as well as the court system can also help in legal matters.
How-To
- Measure and photograph (document): measure door width and passage and create dated photos.
- Write a formal request to the landlord (form) with clear measurements, reasons and a deadline.
- Set deadlines (deadline): allow a reasonable response time (e.g. 14 days) and document every reply.
- Court preparation (court): if necessary, prepare documents for the local court and seek legal advice.
Help and Support / Resources
- Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
- Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (BMJ)
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
