Tenant Rights: Guidance Systems & Contrast in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, it is important to carefully document accessibility, guidance systems and contrasts during renovations or funded projects. Good documentation helps with rent reductions, repair claims or disputes before the local court. This text explains in plain language which evidence is useful (photos, measurement reports, correspondence), which deadlines to observe and which forms are often relevant. I present practical steps for collecting evidence, correctly sending defect notices and submitting applications so you can effectively enforce your tenant rights in Germany.
Why documentation matters
Guidance systems and high-contrast markings often affect traffic safety and accessibility in apartments and residential buildings. Landlords are obliged to maintain the property in a contractually agreed condition; this includes visible defects and missing accessibility measures under tenancy law.[1] In legal disputes, the Code of Civil Procedure regulates how evidence must be presented and when lawsuits are admissible.[2] Disputes are heard in the first instance before the local court; important tenancy law rulings often come from the Federal Court of Justice.[3]
What you should document
- Photos and videos of guidance systems, contrast areas and potential hazards, dated and labeled.
- Written defect notices to the landlord with date, demand and deadline.
- Measurement reports or expert opinions on lighting, floor slip resistance or color contrasts.
- Documentation of phone calls: date, contact person and short note of content.
- Receipts for costs, e.g. quotes for repairs or invoices for aids.
Practical tips when collecting evidence
Use clear file names (e.g. "2025-06-01-stairs-contrast.jpg"), note times and briefly describe what the photo shows. Always send defect notices by registered mail or email with read receipt so you can prove deadlines. If funding is involved, document approval notices and proof of use separately from normal correspondence.
Forms and templates (commonly relevant)
Common forms and templates tenants can use include:
- Defect notice / request for repair (template: defect description with deadline).
- Application for funding or subsidy evidence (for municipal programs or KfW funding).
- Copies of invoices and proof of use for submission to sponsoring authorities.
Example: A defect notice should clearly state the location (e.g. "entrance, step 3"), the problem (missing contrast), the remedy requested and a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days). For funding, attach approval letters and cost estimates.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for disputes about guidance systems and contrasts?
- The local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible in the first instance for tenancy disputes; higher instances include the regional court and possibly the Federal Court of Justice.
- What deadlines must I as a tenant observe?
- Set deadlines in defect notices (commonly 14 to 30 days) and observe limitation periods of tenancy law; respond to court deadlines immediately.
- What evidence is most helpful?
- Dated photos, written defect notices with proof of delivery, witness statements and professional expert opinions are particularly effective.
How-To
- Step 1: Collect photos and videos of affected areas, label files with dates and short descriptions.
- Step 2: Send a formal defect notice to the landlord, demand repair and set a clear deadline.
- Step 3: Record all communications (emails, letters, phone calls) and save read receipts.
- Step 4: Collect quotes or estimates for necessary measures and submit them to funding bodies if applicable.
- Step 5: If no agreement is reached, consider legal action at the local court and seek legal advice.
Help and Support / Resources
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch §535 – Landlord obligations
- Zivilprozessordnung §253 – Filing a lawsuit
- Federal Court of Justice – Rulings and guidance
