Tenants in Germany: Enforce Ramp & Door Widening
Many tenants in Germany face the problem that an older building is not barrier-free. If you need a ramp or a door widening, it concerns your mobility, participation and often accessibility under social law. This article clearly explains which rights tenants have, when landlords must agree, which authorities and courts are responsible, and which practical steps you as a tenant can take. I name relevant laws, provide wording templates and concrete action instructions so you can submit applications or, if necessary, prepare a court proceeding. The guidance applies to rental relationships in Germany and helps to address conflicts factually. In urgent cases, deadlines are important and should be observed.
Which rights do tenants have?
Tenants are entitled to the usability of the rented property; serious limitations of residential use can justify rent reduction or a landlord obligation to remedy. Relevant statutory bases are found in the BGB (tenancy law) and procedural law [1][2]. Local courts (Amtsgericht) handle tenancy disputes in the first instance; higher courts include Landgerichte and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) for appeals [3].
When must the landlord agree?
Whether the landlord must bear structural measures such as a ramp or door widening depends on several factors: medical necessity, type of measure, ownership arrangements and possible funding options. Often tenants may carry out measures themselves if the landlord is not permanently affected or if the apartment is restored after the tenancy ends.
Practical checklist
- Do you have medical evidence or certificates proving the necessity?
- Is there written consent or refusal from the landlord?
- Clarify who bears the costs and whether funding is available.
- Are there deadlines for decisions or appointments with authorities?
If the landlord refuses, request consent in writing with reasons and set deadlines. Use clear wording and name the required measures precisely.
How to apply for the measure
Write a short letter to the landlord: describe the measure, attach medical evidence and state a concrete execution period. Offer to provide contractors or cost estimates. If possible, propose compromises such as cost sharing or restoration agreements.
Sample structure for a letter
- Subject: Request for approval for ramp/door widening with a brief justification and deadline.
- Enclosures: medical certificate, photos of access points, cost estimate.
- Deadline: Set a clear deadline for response (e.g. 14 days).
What if the landlord refuses?
If the landlord does not agree within the deadline, consider: mediation via tenant mediation or district office, applying for funding from social authorities (if necessary), or filing a lawsuit at the competent local court. For litigation, precise documentation of correspondence and evidence is helpful.
FAQ
- Can I install a ramp myself as a tenant?
- You can carry out structural measures, but you generally need the landlord's consent; clarify restoration obligations and liability beforehand.
- Who pays for the door widening?
- It depends case by case: sometimes the landlord, often cost sharing or funding is possible; social service providers may assist.
- Which court is responsible for disputes?
- Tenancy disputes are usually heard first by the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances include the regional court (Landgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).
How-To
- Collect documents: medical certificates, photos, cost estimates.
- Send a letter to the landlord: state facts, deadline and attach evidence.
- Contact advisory centers or mediation services if needed.
- If no agreement: prepare and file a claim with the local court.
Help and Support
- BGB and other laws on "Gesetze im Internet" (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- Information on courts and local courts (justiz.de)
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – official site
