Tenant Rights Germany: Garage EV Chargers 2025

As a tenant in Germany, you may wonder whether you can have a charging station installed in the underground garage and who bears the costs. This text explains clearly which rights and obligations tenants and landlords have in 2025, what consent is required and how to conduct negotiations. We address topics such as modernization costs, conversion expenses, allocation of operating costs and when consent may be refused. We also show which official forms and deadlines are important, how to collect evidence and when a court, such as the local court, decides. The goal is to give you clear steps so you can enforce your charging infrastructure securely and fairly. This way you avoid conflicts.

What does the law regulate?

The central rules for tenancy relationships are found in the German Civil Code (BGB), in particular regarding the duties of landlord and tenant.^[1] Procedural questions for court actions are governed by the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO).^[2] Details on allocation and billing of operating costs can involve the Operating Costs Regulation and the Heating Costs Ordinance.^[3][4] For precedent and landmark rulings, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice and rulings by local courts are relevant.^[5]

Consent, installation and modernization

As a rule, tenants need the landlord's consent for structural changes in shared areas such as the underground garage. Modernization measures can follow special rules; it must be clarified whether the installation counts as modernization and how costs may be allocated.

• Send written request for consent (form)
• Check technical requirements and obtain quotes (repair)
• Prepare cost breakdown and arrange financing (rent)
• Collect photos and technical documents as evidence (evidence)

Cost allocation: who pays?

Whether the tenant or landlord pays depends on the contract, the nature of the modernization and any agreement. In some cases the landlord bears the main costs, in others parties agree on a split or tenants reduce rent if there is a demonstrable loss of use.

• Check tenant shares, especially for modernization costs (rent)
• Review or renegotiate contract clauses (form)
• Consider local court action if disputes persist (court)

Practical steps: negotiate, deadlines, evidence

Here is how to conduct structured negotiations: prepare clear demands, set deadlines and present evidence. Respond to refusal in writing and document every communication. If refusal persists, judicial clarification may be necessary; procedural deadlines and fees under the ZPO apply.^[2][5]

1. Send a written request to the landlord and set a deadline (form)
2. Gather quotes and invoices (evidence)
3. Seek a meeting and propose a compromise on cost sharing (call)
4. Consider court action at the local court if necessary (court)

FAQ

May I as a tenant install a charging station in the garage?

Generally you need the landlord's consent; without consent you risk breaching the contract. Check sections 535 et seq. of the BGB and document technical requirements and consent conditions.^[1]

Who pays for installation and operation?

It depends on whether the work counts as modernization, the tenancy agreement and any arrangements. Allocation of operating costs can be influenced by the Operating Costs Regulation; negotiated cost sharing is common.^[3]

Which official forms and deadlines matter?

For court steps there are official complaint forms and judiciary guidance. Example: filing a complaint at the local court using the court's complaint forms; contact your local court for the correct form and deadlines.^[6]

How-To

1. Check your lease and house rules for garage clauses (form)
2. Have professionals verify technical feasibility and safety (repair)
3. Request written consent from the landlord with a concrete offer (form)
4. Collect offers, invoices and photos as evidence (evidence)
5. Negotiate and propose a cost-sharing plan (call)
6. If conflict continues, consider filing at the local court (court)

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 – Duties of the landlord
• Civil Procedure Code (ZPO) – procedural rules
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] BGB §535 – Pflichten des Vermieters
2. [2] ZPO – Zivilprozessordnung
3. [3] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
4. [4] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
5. [5] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
6. [6] Judiciary: Forms and guidance for filing complaints