Tenants: Approve Stairlift in Germany

Many tenants in Germany need a stairlift due to mobility limitations. As a tenant you have rights and funding options, but applications, communication with the landlord and authorities can seem complicated. This article explains clearly which funding bodies may apply, which forms and deadlines are important and how to enforce the landlords consent. We cite relevant sections of the BGB^[1], show practical steps for applying to the care insurance or housing funding and explain how legal recourse at the local court works if consent is withheld. The guide is practical and tailored to tenants questions.

What tenants need to know

A stairlift can be considered a home-environment improvement; landlords do not automatically have to allow structural changes, but tenants may in some cases request or enforce consent. The BGB establishes rights and duties in rental law^[1]. Civil procedure rules govern how proceedings at the local court proceed if a legal decision becomes necessary^[2].

Funding and important forms

Several funding routes are possible for a stairlift. Relevant are grants from the care insurance under "home-environment improving measures" (§40 SGB XI) and programs for barrier-reducing renovations. Apply in writing to the responsible care insurance or funding bank and attach cost estimates.

• Application to the care insurance (home-environment improving measures, §40 SGB XI) with cost estimate.
• Funding applications to state programs or banks for age-appropriate renovations.
• Medical certificate proving the necessity of the stairlift as evidence for funding bodies.

Practical steps: Enforcing landlord consent

Proceed in a structured way: inform the landlord in writing, attach forms and cost estimates, state funding options and offer to have a professional install the lift. Often a mutual solution is possible; if not, legal action at the local court is an option.

1. Written request to the landlord: describe the measure, attach cost estimates and medical proof.
2. Submit funding applications to the care insurance and, if applicable, state funding; send the same documents there.
3. Document every communication (date, content, witnesses, photos).
4. If consent is refused: check the legal possibility of filing a suit at the local court or seek legal advice.

What happens in court

At the local court tenants can request permission to carry out a necessary adaptation if the measure is unreasonably denied. Proceedings follow the rules of civil procedure and end with either a settlement or a judgment; decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) can be decisive in important legal questions^[4].

FAQ

Who pays for the stairlift?

Costs can be fully or partially covered by the care insurance, state funding programs or by personal funds; always check all possible subsidies.

Can the landlord refuse the installation?

A landlord cannot categorically prohibit every structural change, but must review grounds for refusal; in case of dispute, legal action may be possible.

Which deadlines matter?

Response deadlines from the landlord and application deadlines for funding vary; submit applications early and document deadlines.

How-To

1. Determine need: obtain a medical certificate and record exact stair measurements.
2. Inform the landlord: send a written request with cost estimates and proof.
3. Submit funding applications: apply to the care insurance (home-environment improving measures) and state funding bodies.
4. Clarify financing: compare personal contribution, subsidies and possible loans.
5. Installation and documentation: hire a professional installer, keep photos and invoices.

Help and Support

• Local courts and legal basis (BGB)
• Civil Procedure (ZPO) for lawsuits
• SGB XI §40: Home-environment improving measures

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] SGB XI §40 – Wohnumfeldverbessernde Maßnahmen – gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de