Tenants in Germany: Install Accessible Doorbell in WEG

As a tenant in Germany you have rights if you need an accessible doorbell — for example due to mobility limitations or visual impairment. In multi‑family buildings with a condominium owners' association (WEG), changes to common property are often more complex because the consent of the owners may be required. This guide explains step by step how tenants can submit an application, which laws (e.g. BGB, WEG) must be observed, which deadlines apply and which official bodies or courts are responsible. You will receive templates for a properly formatted letter, tips on evidence and a checklist for actions if the application is rejected. The aim is to provide you with clear, practical guidance without legal jargon.

Rights and legal framework

Basic duties and rights in the tenancy relationship are set out in the Civil Code (BGB), in particular regarding maintenance and ensuring usability by the landlord.^[1] For common property in a WEG, structural changes are often regulated by the Condominium Act (WEG); voting and majority rules must be observed.^[2] If court proceedings arise, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply to filing lawsuits and the jurisdiction of the local court (Amtsgericht).^[3]

Changes to common property (WEG)

A doorbell at the building entrance can be considered an intervention in common property. First contact the WEG administration and request inclusion on the agenda or consent from the owners' association. Check whether a structural measure can be regarded as a reasonable accommodation and whether majorities oppose it.

How tenants can apply for an accessible doorbell

Prepare a structured package: an informal letter, technical specifications, proof of need and a cost estimate. Send everything with proof of delivery and allow time for questions.

• Cover letter/application to the WEG administration with clear justification and requested deadline.
• Photos, measurements and a short description of the current situation as evidence.
• Medical certificate or disability ID as proof of need, if available.
• Cost estimate from a specialist company with indication of minimal structural intervention.
• Proposal for scheduling and deadlines for implementation or response.

Template: Short application text

Dear administration/dear owners, I hereby apply as a tenant for permission to install an accessible doorbell at the building entrance for the following reason: [brief reason, e.g. mobility impairment, visual impairment]. Attached are photos, a medical certificate and a cost estimate. Please decide by [date, e.g. 4 weeks]. Sincerely, [Your name, address, date]

What to do if refused

If the WEG rejects the application, check the reasons in writing. Often a modified solution or cost-sharing can be offered. Document all communication and observe deadlines. Consider legal review or mediation before filing a lawsuit.

FAQ

Can the landlord or the WEG generally refuse the installation?

Not always. Refusal is possible if the overriding interests of the community are harmed, but individual adjustments may be enforceable under certain conditions.

Who pays the costs?

This depends on the case: sometimes the owners' association covers the costs, often costs are shared or the applicant bears them if there is no obligation to cover them.

What if the administration does not reply?

Send a reminder with a deadline and then consider legal steps at the local court or advice from official bodies.

How-To

1. Check rights: inform yourself about BGB and WEG and note relevant paragraphs.
2. Create the application: draft a formal letter with reasoning, deadline and list of attachments.
3. Attach evidence: medical certificate, photos, measurements and cost estimate.
4. Submit: file the application with the WEG administration and document receipt and responses.
5. If refused, review reasons and consider court action at the local court.
6. Implementation: after approval, hire a specialist company and document the work.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare a complete formal package with application and evidence.
• Documentation and medical proof support your claim.
• Court action is possible but should be well prepared.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB (Civil Code) – Gesetze im Internet
• WEG (Condominium Act) – Gesetze im Internet
• ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure) – Gesetze im Internet

1. [1] BGB (Civil Code) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] WEG (Condominium Act) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure) – Gesetze im Internet