Tenants: Financing Elevator Retrofit in Germany
As a tenant in Germany you often face practical and legal questions when an elevator is to be retrofitted. This guide explains clearly which financing options and government grants are available in 2025, how you as a tenant can assert your rights and which steps are sensible when negotiating with the property management or landlord. We explain relevant statutes[1], useful forms and the procedure for disputes before the local court. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, frequently asked questions with clear answers and official contacts for support. We also explain when tenants can be asked to contribute to costs, which deadlines apply and how accessibility for people with disabilities is implemented in practice.
Why retrofit an elevator?
An elevator increases mobility in the building, improves accessibility and can raise the value of the apartments. For aging tenants or people with disabilities, an elevator is often central to daily participation. Whether and when an elevator is technically possible depends on building fabric, structural integrity and the consent of the owners' association.
Financing options
There are several ways to finance: direct financing by the owners' association, government grants, low-interest loans and municipal support programs. As a tenant, you should check whether your municipality offers funding for accessibility and whether the elevator would improve your apartment.
- Owners' resolution: The owners' association usually decides on structural measures.
- Federal and state grants: Funding programs sometimes offer non-repayable grants.
- Low-interest loans: Some funding banks offer loans for accessible conversions.
- Private financing: In individual cases cost contributions may be passed on to tenants.
Tenants' rights and obligations
Tenants are entitled to safe and habitable premises; at the same time the lease and condominium law determine who initiates and pays for structural measures. Changes that affect the substance or the lease should be agreed in writing. In case of uncertainty, a written defect notice and a deadline towards the landlord help.
Court actions and jurisdictions
In disputes about implementation or costs, clarification before the local court may be necessary; landlord claims such as eviction suits are subject to procedural rules of the ZPO[2]. Appeals go via the regional court; overarching precedents come from the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)[3].
FAQ
- Who pays for the elevator?
- Cost allocation depends on the lease and a decision by the owners' association; tenants are usually not automatically required to pay.
- Are there grants for accessibility?
- Yes, federal, state and municipal bodies offer grants and low-interest loans for accessible conversions; check regional programs and public funding banks.
- What steps if there is a dispute with the landlord?
- Send a written defect notice, set deadlines, collect evidence and consider legal action at the local court if necessary.
How-To
- Inform the landlord in writing (notice): Describe the need, urgency and request information on plans and costs.
- Check funding options (payment): Research federal, state and municipal grants and funding loans.
- Collect quotes (evidence): Obtain several offers from specialist companies and document them.
- Submit applications and forms (form): File grant applications on time and attach all required evidence.
- Consider court action at the local court in case of dispute (court): Ensure all deadlines are met and you can present supporting documents.
- Keep documentation (record): Store all letters, invoices and photos safely.
Help and Support / Resources
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) — Information and forms
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Decisions
