Tenants: E-charging cables in courtyard, Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the practical issue of running an E-charging cable for their electric vehicle across a shared courtyard. This situation touches tenancy law, house rules and neighbour rights and requires a clear, documented solution so that neither tenants nor landlords are unduly burdened. In this text we explain step by step what rights and obligations tenants have, when permission is necessary, which forms or letters are useful and how to resolve conflicts without escalation and without immediate court proceedings. We give practical wording suggestions, refer to relevant laws and name the competent courts and official sources in Germany.^[1]

Rights, Obligations and Legal Basis

Generally the provisions of the BGB govern landlord and tenant duties, such as maintenance obligations and the duty of consideration. For rental relationships, the provisions in §§ 535 to 580a BGB are particularly relevant.^[1] In disputes about uses of the communal property, civil procedure law may apply if an eviction suit or interim injunction becomes necessary.^[2]

Practical Steps for Tenants

• Written request to the landlord: Describe the situation, cable route, safety measures and desired duration.
• Photos and documentation: Take photos of the courtyard and cable route as evidence for your request.
• Offer safety measures: Propose cable ducts, protective mats or cable ramps to minimize trip hazards.
• Record agreement in writing: Ask for a signed permission or an addendum to the house rules.

If the Landlord Refuses

If the landlord refuses, check whether the house rules contain explicit prohibitions or whether a balancing of interests is possible. Often a compromise is possible, e.g. a time-limited permit or technical adjustments. If no agreement can be reached, the next step is consultation with an advisory office or, if necessary, legal review by the local court (Amtsgericht), which is responsible for tenancy disputes.^[3]

Forms and Templates

Official statutory forms are rarely required for this situation, but template letters are useful. Helpful documents include:

• Request for landlord consent (written, with description of location and duration).
• Usage agreement for the courtyard (written permission with conditions such as liability and removal obligation).
• Evidence documentation (photos, date, time, witnesses) in case of later disputes.

What to Do in Case of Immediate Hazard

If a cable presents an immediate danger, secure the spot, inform the landlord and propose short-term protective measures. If no one responds and danger exists, inform the local fire brigade or public order authority; this can also serve as evidence if liability issues arise later.

FAQ

Do I always need the landlord's permission to run an E-charging cable across the courtyard?

In most cases yes, because the courtyard is part of the communal area or the rental property and interventions or permanent uses may require consent.

Can the landlord prohibit the use for safety reasons?

Yes, if there are understandable safety concerns. Technical alternatives or protective measures should then be discussed.

What if no agreement is possible?

Then as a last resort the legal clarification before the competent local court (Amtsgericht) remains; prior consultation and mediation are recommended.

How-To

1. Document need and cable route with photos and a written description.
2. Send a formal written request to the landlord and state safety measures.
3. Negotiate a written agreement or an addendum to the house rules.
4. If necessary, obtain advice and prepare documents for a possible court clarification.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Laws on the Internet: Civil Code (BGB)
• Laws on the Internet: Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Competences and Decisions