Tenants: Install Satellite Dish in Germany
As a tenant in Germany you want the best reception quality without endangering household harmony. Before mounting a satellite dish on a balcony or facade, clarify whether your house rules or landlord must consent and check structural limits. This article explains in plain language tenants' rights and duties, how to politely request permission, which evidence and photos are useful, and how to respond if the landlord refuses. We also show which courts are responsible and which official legal sources to consult. Concrete action steps help you avoid conflicts and assert your tenant rights in Germany safely. At the end you will find an FAQ, a step-by-step guide and official links so you can act immediately.
Rights and Duties as a Tenant
Fundamental rules of German tenancy law govern tenants' and landlords' rights and duties. Important basics are set out in the provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB)[1], for example on use, alterations and maintenance. A satellite dish can be considered a structural alteration; landlord consent is often required. Document the desired mounting location in advance with photos and measurements.
How to Communicate Calmly with Your Landlord
A calm written request increases the chance of consent. State the location, measurements, provider and who will install it. Offer professional installation and, if necessary, proper removal at move-out. Include clear photos and explain how damage will be prevented.
- Check your lease and house rules for deadlines and regulations about installation.
- Send a written request or a short form with photos and measurements to the landlord.
- Offer installation by a professional company and document the work.
- Clarify costs in advance: who pays for installation, mount and removal?
- Keep all messages, photos and offers as evidence.
If the Landlord Refuses or Doesn’t Respond
If the landlord refuses or does not respond, several steps are recommended: reminder with a deadline, mediation via the property management or a conciliation body, and finally legal clarification before the competent local court. Court proceedings follow the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).[2]
Practical Tips for Installation and Move-Out
Choose mounting points so that they do not violate facade or balcony protections. Pay attention to permitted fastening methods and avoid permanent damage. On move-out: remove the dish and restore the original condition if this was agreed.
- Use approved mounts and professional installers to avoid damage.
- Keep photo documentation before and after installation as evidence.
- Clarify in advance who pays for removal and any repairs.
FAQ
- Do I need my landlord's consent to install a satellite dish as a tenant?
- In many cases yes. Whether consent is required depends on the lease, house rules, and the scope of the structural alteration. Check the statutory bases in the BGB.[1]
- Who pays for installation and removal?
- This is often a matter for agreement. Without an explicit arrangement, usually the person who initiated the change bears the costs. Put cost agreements in writing.
- What can I do if the landlord refuses consent?
- First seek discussion, then mediation. As a last resort, legal clarification before the local court may be possible; follow the rules of the ZPO.[2]
How-To
- Check the lease and house rules for regulations and deadlines regarding installation.
- Write a written request with photos, measurements, provider details and the desired mounting location.
- Offer professional installation and clarify cost and removal responsibilities.
- If no agreement is possible, consider mediation or legal action before the competent local court.[3]
- When agreed: record the consent in writing and keep all documents and photos.
Help and Support / Resources
- BGB §§ 535 ff. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
- Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
