Tenants: Stairlift Approval & Financing in Germany
Many tenants in Germany need a stairlift in an older building because mobility limitations make stairs difficult. This guide explains clearly which rights tenants have, how to obtain landlord approval, which legal bases (e.g. § 554 BGB)[1] apply and which funding and financing options exist. You will receive a practical template letter for the application, a list of necessary documents and an example of how to apply for cost coverage from the care insurance or pension insurance. The text is aimed at tenants without legal knowledge in Germany and shows step by step how to increase your chances of approval and which authorities or courts are responsible. You will also find instructions for dealing with a possible landlord refusal and concrete deadlines as well as tips for documenting defects. At the end there are notes on how a local court decides in disputes and which formalities to observe.
What tenants need to know
In principle, structural changes in the rented dwelling require the landlord's consent. According to § 554 BGB, the tenant may, under certain conditions, carry out changes but must usually obtain permission and clarify any restoration obligations.[1] Talk to the landlord early and present a concrete offer. If no agreement is reached, funding options and payers should be examined.
Funding options
There are several ways to finance a stairlift: direct cost coverage or grants by the care insurance, aids via pension insurance, social assistance subsidies or funding programs for age-appropriate conversion (e.g. KfW). Which body is responsible depends on health status, care level and the individual case; get information from the official agencies.[2]
- Contractor offer / cost estimate (payment).
- Medical report or proof of mobility limitation (evidence).
- Application to care insurance or pension insurance (application).
- Photos of the staircase and measurements for technical assessment (evidence).
Approval and sample letter
How to write a short sample letter to the landlord: state purpose, installation date, contractor, cost estimate and request written consent. Offer to provide a security for dismantling or waive a small rent increase. Refer factually to the necessity and possible funding. If the landlord refuses, request a written reason and consider legal steps.
Sample letter (short form): I hereby request approval to install a stairlift in my apartment, Sample Street X, reason: limited mobility. Enclosures: cost estimate, medical certificate. Please inform me of your decision within 14 days.
Practical example
Ms. M. has care level 2 and needs a stairlift. She obtains two cost estimates, attaches a medical certificate and applies to the care insurance. At the same time she informs the landlord with the sample letter. After review, the care insurance approves a grant and the landlord gives consent on condition that the installation is carried out professionally.
FAQ
- Do I need the landlord's consent?
- Yes, consent is usually required; clarify scope and possible dismantling obligations in writing.
- Who pays for the stairlift?
- Funding sources include care insurance, pension insurance, social welfare or grant programs; individual case review is necessary.[2]
- What to do in case of written refusal?
- Request a written justification, document everything and consider legal options or alternative funding.
How-To
- Contact the landlord and send the sample letter with a cost estimate; request a response within 14 days (days).
- Submit funding applications to the care insurance or pension insurance and include medical evidence and cost estimates (payment).
- Obtain the landlord's written consent or demand a written refusal for further review (file).
- In case of dispute: consult the competent local court or consider legal action (court).
Key takeaways
- Early communication with the landlord improves chances of approval (approved).
- Technical offers and medical evidence are crucial for payers (repair).
- Keep strict documentation and adhere to deadlines to avoid legal disadvantages (evidence).
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] § 554 BGB - Gesetze im Internet
- [2] Deutsche Rentenversicherung - Aids & Benefits
- [3] Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
