Tenant Rights: Installing Satellite Dish in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may want to install a satellite dish without risking legal problems. This guide clearly and practically explains your rights and duties, how a notice in the stairwell helps, which deadlines apply and which official forms and courts are relevant. We describe concrete steps: from checking house rules to obtaining permissions, documenting the situation and, if necessary, going to the local court. The aim is that you, as a tenant, make informed decisions, represent your interests factually and avoid disputes or are prepared if a court resolution becomes necessary.

Rights and Duties

Generally, the German Civil Code (BGB) governs tenancy relationships, especially landlord duties for maintenance and tenant rights for structural changes. A satellite dish is considered a structural alteration that usually requires landlord consent. If the house rules lack clear regulation, an interest balancing is necessary: facade impact, monument protection, safety and external appearance matter. In case of disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) has jurisdiction; tenancy disputes are heard there in the first instance.^[2]

Using a Notice Correctly

A notice in the stairwell or on the bulletin board informs the community and can ease the process. The notice should include date, time, planned work, contact details and a reference to the legal basis. Before posting, check your rental contract and house rules; photograph agreements as evidence.

• Formal details: name, flat, date and scope of the work.
• Contact option for neighbors and landlord for questions.
• Documentation: photos before and after installation as proof.
• Suggested appointment and duration to minimize disruption.

Preparation and Evidence

Before installing: obtain proof of harmlessness, e.g. technical data of the dish, mounting materials and a description of the attachment point. Clarify whether the balcony or facade is affected; for listed buildings you often need permission.

• Have technical documents of the system and installation instructions ready.
• Send a written request to the landlord and document receipt.
• Take photos of the installation site before mounting.

FAQ

Can the landlord generally prohibit installing a satellite dish?

No, a general prohibition is only possible if explicitly stated in the house rules or rental contract or justified by monument protection and safety; otherwise an interest balancing is required.^[1]

Do I have to obtain consent in writing?

It is recommended to request consent in writing and to keep the notice and your documentation as evidence if consent is refused; this is important for possible court actions.^[2]

Whom do I contact if the landlord unjustifiably forbids it?

If discussions fail, the local court can review the legal situation; photos, correspondence and the notice are useful. The Code of Civil Procedure governs the process.^[3]

How-To

1. Check your rental contract and house rules for exterior modification clauses.
2. Inform the landlord in writing and request a deadline for reply.
3. Create a notice with date, time, scope of work and contact details and post it visibly.
4. Document the site and condition (photos), collect responses and evidence.
5. If refusal is unlawful, consider a clarification at the local court; submit documents and applications if needed.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet — BGB
• Justiz — Information on courts
• Gesetze im Internet — ZPO

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB
2. [2] Justiz — Information on courts
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet — ZPO