Tenant Rights: Satellite Dish in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany you may wonder whether you can install a satellite dish on a balcony, facade, or roof. This article explains in plain language what rights and duties tenants and landlords have, how to request consent professionally and document it, which official forms or applications may be relevant, and when housing disputes belong before the local court. We name the main legal bases of the BGB, outline practical steps to proceed and give examples of how to avoid conflicts or, if necessary, resolve them in court. The goal is to provide clear options and safe wording so you can clarify your reception options securely.

Legal position for satellite dishes

In principle, installing a satellite dish is not per se prohibited, but it depends on the rental agreement, house rules and building regulations. Duties and rights concerning maintenance, alterations to the rented property and consent are governed by the Civil Code (BGB) in §§ 535–580a^[1]. If the dish is to be attached to communal areas or the facade, the landlord must consider design or monument protection concerns. In case of dispute, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; higher instances are the regional court (Landgericht) or the Federal Court of Justice for precedent issues^[2].

How to approach your landlord

Recommended: in writing, factual and with photo or sketch. Specify installation location, size and visual impact (e.g. visibility). State the reason (e.g. reception, accessibility) and offer professional, reversible installation. Documentation helps for later disputes.

• Send a written request (notice): date, address, desired installation location and photos attached.
• Record photos and log (evidence): before-and-after pictures and witnesses noted.
• Offer a professional installer (repair): installation by certified fitter, reversible mounting.
• Set a deadline (deadline): give the landlord e.g. 14 days to respond.

If the landlord refuses

Check the refusal in writing: does the landlord cite concrete urban planning, fire safety or monument protection reasons? Such reasons must be taken seriously. A blanket refusal without reasons is often less defensible. If the facade is communal property in a condominium, community rules and the owners' meeting are relevant.

• Check house rules for bans (safety): refer to specific paragraphs if present.
• Consider legal action (court): if refusal is unclear, clarification at the local court may be appropriate.
• Propose mediation (call): try mediation or dispute resolution before immediate litigation.

Official forms and templates

There is no specific nationwide "satellite dish application form", but the following standard documents are useful:

• Defect notice / written request (form): a simple written letter with photos serves as a template; send by registered mail if needed.
• Payment order / default notice (form): if costs arise and payment is demanded, the court-issued payment order (Mahnverfahren) is used.
• Filing a claim at the local court (court): for tenancy disputes, e.g. a claim for tolerance of the dish.

Steps before going to court

Before suing, ensure all communication and documentation are complete: request, landlord answer, photos, installer quote and any municipal restrictions. If a lawsuit is necessary, file at the local court. Observe deadlines and keep records.

• Assemble documentation (evidence): photos, correspondence, installer quotation.
• Check and submit forms (form): file the complaint at the competent local court.
• Observe deadlines (deadline): meet court and opponent response periods.

FAQ

Can the landlord generally prohibit installation?

No, not categorically; he may assert legitimate interests such as fire safety or monument protection, otherwise a case-by-case assessment is required.

Do I need to ask the homeowners' association for communal areas?

Yes, if the mounting affects communal property, the condominium may need to decide and owner approval can be required.

What if the landlord does not reply?

Send a reminder with a deadline, document the attempt and consider court action or mediation after the deadline expires.

How-To

1. Send a written request (form): describe location, attach photos and propose a date.
2. Document (evidence): collect before/after photos, quotes and witness notes.
3. Contact the landlord (call): offer professional reversible installation and seek agreement.
4. Consider legal route (court): if unlawfully refused, consider filing at the local court.

Help and Support

• [1] Gesetze im Internet (BGB §§ 535–580a)
• [2] Justizportal (Information on local courts and procedures)
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (decisions and jurisprudence)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet (BGB §§ 535–580a)
2. [2] Justizportal (Information on local courts and procedures)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (decisions and jurisprudence)