Tenants: Financing Accessible Doorbell in Germany
Many tenants in Germany wonder who bears the costs for barrier-free adaptations in condominium buildings and how an accessible doorbell can be financed. This guide explains in practical terms your rights as a tenant, which sections of the BGB[1] and WEG[2] are relevant, which official forms you may need and how to apply for funding or enforce measures. You will receive concrete steps, deadlines and examples for communication with the property manager or owners' association as well as notes on court procedures[3] if an agreement is not possible. The instructions also show practical wording for requests and template letters. At the end you will find information on competent courts and relevant statutory provisions.
What tenants need to know
As a tenant, you are entitled to a habitable apartment; changes in a condominium association (WEG) follow their own rules. For basic questions, the provisions of the BGB[1] and the Condominium Act for resolutions and cost allocation are helpful[2]. In many cases, a decision by the owners' assembly is required; in other cases the landlord may be responsible.
Who pays and what does the law regulate?
In principle: whoever is responsible for modernization or maintenance may be obliged to bear the costs. In condominium buildings a community resolution often decides the distribution of costs; as a tenant you should clarify whether the landlord bears the costs or a WEG resolution classifies the measure as a communal modernization.
- For communal modernizations, the owners' association generally bears the costs according to WEG rules.
- If the landlord carries out the modernization, they are often responsible for financing.
- If no agreement exists, a written WEG resolution or agreement should be documented.
Practical steps: forms & deadlines
Plan systematically: request, deadline setting, financing clarification, and if necessary legal action. There is no single standard template; often a simple written request to the property manager with a clear deadline helps.
- Draft a dated written request to the property manager or landlord stating the desired measure and deadline.
- Check funding options and possible cost-sharing by the owners' association or funding programs.
- Set a reasonable response deadline (e.g. 14 days) and document the dispatch.
FAQ
- Who pays for an accessible doorbell?
- It depends on agreements, WEG resolutions and the individual case; check the BGB[1] and WEG[2].
- Can a tenant install the doorbell themselves?
- Self-installation is possible if the landlord agrees or the measure is permitted and reversible; document everything in writing.
- What deadlines apply if there is no response?
- Set a written deadline (e.g. 14 days) and then consider legal action at the local court under ZPO rules[3].
How-To
- Check your rights and collect evidence such as photos and e‑mails.
- Send a dated, informal letter to the property manager or landlord requesting a response.
- Investigate funding programs and clarify possible financing routes.
- If no agreement is reached, consider proceedings at the local court (ZPO) and seek legal help if needed.
