Tenants in Germany: Plan Window Replacement Costs

As a tenant in Germany you often face questions about costs when landlords replace windows or order modernizations. This practical guide explains how you as a tenant can document costs, secure quotes, invoices and photos and which deadlines and legal bases must be observed. It describes template texts you can use, how to check cost estimates and when tenant consent is required — especially in listed buildings. The notes are practice-oriented, avoid legal jargon and show concrete steps you can implement immediately to protect your rights and better substantiate later disputes before court or with the administration. At the end you will find FAQs, a step-by-step guide and links to official authorities.

What tenants need to know

Landlords have duties under the German Civil Code (BGB) to maintain the rental property and to notify about modernizations (§§ 535–536).^[1] As a tenant you should understand when modernization or repair measures are permitted, who bears which costs and what consent is required.

Documenting costs - checklist

• Photos of the old and new condition
• Invoices, payment receipts and receipts
• Cost estimates and offers
• Written communication with the landlord and contractors
• Breakdown of who pays which items

Planning and consent for window replacement

Listed buildings are subject to additional requirements; make sure all permits are in place and clarify whether the measure qualifies as modernization. Check dates, deadlines and announcements in writing; if problems occur, court disputes can end up at the local court.^[2]

How-To

1. Collect all receipts, photos and offers as digital copies.
2. Write a template letter to the landlord requesting a cost explanation.
3. Have technical details and impacts on heating costs documented.
4. Set deadlines for remediation or presentation of cost evidence.
5. If necessary: prepare documents for a lawsuit or hearing and note relevant case law.^[3]

FAQ

Who pays for window replacement?

In principle the landlord pays for repairs; modernization costs can be partly passed on to tenants if legal requirements are met.

Do I as a tenant need to give consent?

For pure maintenance no consent is usually required; for modernizations consent or at least cooperation may be necessary.

What to do if evidence is missing?

Collect witnesses, timestamp photos and document every communication without gaps.

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–536
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
• Federal Court of Justice – Tenancy Law

1. [1] BGB §535 - Duties of the landlord
2. [2] ZPO - Code of Civil Procedure (court proceedings)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice - Information on tenancy cases