Tenant: E-Charger at Parking Space – Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should clarify early whether you are allowed to install an E‑charger at the assigned parking space. This guide shows in plain language how to obtain consent, clarify costs and liability, and document everything in writing. You will learn when you can invoke rights under the German Civil Code (BGB), how the local court (Amtsgericht) handles rental disputes and which documents help support your claim. The goal is clear agreements at move-in so that later disputes, cost allocations or necessary technical inspections become more transparent and your rights as a tenant in Germany are protected.

Why arrange early?

Early clarification prevents surprises where costs or construction measures later fall on the tenant. Landlords must hand over the rental property in usable condition under §§ 535–580a BGB and changes to the property usually require consent.^[1] In case of dispute, the local court is typically the deciding instance; procedural rules are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2]

Five steps to a legally secure E‑charger

1. Prepare the facts

Record location, desired charging power and possible construction work. Take photos of the parking space and the meter connection to document the current state.

2. Inform the landlord and request consent

Send a clear written request to the landlord with cost and installation details; offer a technical description of the charger.

3. Clarify costs and liability

Agree in writing who pays for installation, operating costs, meter readings and dismantling upon move-out. Consider a security deposit if needed.

4. Permits and certified installers

Only hire certified electrical contractors and clarify whether permits are required for structural changes.

5. Document the agreement

Record all points in an addendum to the lease or an annex and have both parties sign.

Common disputes

Who pays for installation and electricity?

This is negotiable: installation can be paid by the tenant, landlord or a third party; operating costs are usually billed separately or via an interim meter.

Can the landlord refuse consent?

Yes, if the installation causes significant disadvantages to the building; a blanket refusal without factual reasons is not automatically valid.

What if the landlord refuses?

Document communications, check your rights under the BGB and consider judicial clarification at the local court.

How-To

1. Prepare a short letter with technical details and photos.
2. Send the request by email and by registered mail to prove receipt.
3. Negotiate in writing about costs, meter and dismantling obligations.
4. Hire a certified electrician and obtain necessary permits.
5. Sign an addendum to the lease and archive all documents.

What to watch for in contract wording?

• Concrete service descriptions: specify device, charging power and scope of installation.
• Regulation of operating costs and meter readings.
• Dismantling obligations when moving out and condition on return.

Help and Support / Resources

• Laws: BGB — Tenancy law (online)
• Courts: Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• E-mobility support: Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport
• Information on local courts and jurisdiction

1. [1] BGB: §535 to §580a on gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO: Code of Civil Procedure on gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – decisions and information