Tenant Guide: Accessible Bathroom in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, an accessible bathroom can significantly improve living quality and independence. This practical guide explains step by step how tenants can plan renovations in multi-unit buildings and WEG communities, which rights and obligations apply for cost allocation and approvals, and how to correctly formulate defect notices. We list relevant laws, funding options and practical forms as well as examples for communication with the landlord and property management. The goal is to give you, as a tenant, clear action steps so that renovation or adaptation is implemented legally secure, socially fair and with minimal conflict.

What tenants need to know in WEGs

In Germany, §§ 535–580a of the BGB regulate the main obligations of landlord and tenant as well as defect rights and rent reduction.^[1] For structural changes in an apartment within a condominium association, additional coordination with the owners' association is usually required; often the owners' association decides according to the declaration of division and WEG law. Always check your rental agreement, the declaration of division and any special usage rights before submitting plans or applications.

Approval by the owners' association

For major renovations, approval from the owners' association is usually required. Plan early and provide complete documents for the owners' committee or the assembly.

• Submit an application for structural change (application): Describe the planned work, timing and possible interventions in common property.
• Observe deadlines (deadline): Submit applications in time before an owners' meeting so they can be placed on the agenda.
• Clarify cost distribution (payment): Explain who will bear which costs and whether grants or agreements with the landlord are possible.
• Keep documentation (evidence): Collect quotes, photos and correspondence to prove decisions and defects later.

Costs and funding

Various funding programs, grants or tax benefits may apply to adaptations. Find out which approvals are required and how to submit funding applications.

• Check funding applications (payment): Determine whether state or federal funding for barrier-reducing measures is possible and which documents are required.
• Prepare forms (application): Prepare cost estimates, apartment photos and a description of the measure to support applications.
• Collect proofs (evidence): Keep approvals, invoices and payment receipts for later verification.

FAQ

Do I need the owners' association's approval for an accessible bathroom?

Yes, if interventions affect common property or changes to supply installations are involved, the owners' association's approval is usually required; check the declaration of division and discuss plans with property management first.

Who pays for an accessible renovation?

It depends on agreements: tenants may pay themselves, landlords may agree or share costs; if there is a proven medical necessity, grants or cost reimbursements may be available.^[3]

What can I do if the landlord does not respond?

Send a written defect notice and set a deadline, document all evidence; if refusal continues, legal advice or proceedings at the local court may be necessary.^[2]

How-To

1. Document the current condition and the defect with photos and measurements (evidence).
2. Inform the landlord in writing and request a response (application).
3. Obtain cost estimates from craftsmen and present them to the owners' association (repair).
4. If no agreement is possible, consider legal steps at the competent local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
• Justice Portal — justiz.de

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
3. [3] Justice Portal — justiz.de