Germany May Give Tenants the Right to Install Air Conditioning

Introduction

If you have ever sweated through a German summer in a top-floor apartment and asked your landlord if you could install an air conditioner — only to be told no — you are not alone. Under current German rental law, tenants have no guaranteed legal right to install air conditioning units in their homes. Landlords can refuse, and many do. Now, Federal Justice Minister Liane Hubig has publicly called for that to change. She wants to introduce what she describes as "practical rules" that work for both tenants and landlords. For the millions of expats and immigrants renting apartments across Germany, this proposal could be a significant quality-of-life development worth following closely.

What the Current Law Says

Under Germany's existing rental law (Mietrecht), tenants are generally not allowed to make structural or technical changes to their apartment without explicit written permission from the landlord. Installing an air conditioning unit — particularly one that requires drilling through an outer wall for ventilation — typically falls into this category. Landlords can deny the request, and there is no legal obligation for them to agree. In practice, many landlords refuse, citing concerns about noise, building aesthetics, structural integrity, or potential damage. Some older buildings also have restrictions tied to heritage protection rules. This means that even as German summers have grown hotter — with record temperatures recorded in recent years — many tenants have been legally unable to install basic cooling systems in their own homes.

What Minister Hubig Is Proposing

Federal Justice Minister Liane Hubig has spoken out in favour of changing this situation. She stated publicly that Germany needs "practical rules" (praktikable Regelungen) that respect the interests of both sides: tenants who want to stay cool and landlords who have legitimate concerns about their properties. While the minister has not yet published a detailed draft law, the direction is clear: tenants should have some form of legal entitlement to install air conditioning, potentially under certain conditions or with specific technical requirements. This would likely mirror rules that already exist for other tenant-requested modifications, such as accessibility adaptations (for example, installing a wheelchair ramp or grab bars), where landlords are required by law to permit changes if the request is reasonable.

Why This Matters for Expats in Germany

For expats renting in Germany — particularly those coming from warmer climates — the lack of air conditioning can be a genuine shock. Germany has historically had mild summers, and older apartment buildings were simply not designed with cooling in mind. Many flats have no ceiling fans, no ducted air systems, and small windows that trap heat. As climate change pushes summer temperatures higher, this is becoming a health and comfort issue, not just a preference. If Hubig's proposal becomes law, it could mean that:

• Tenants could install portable or split-system AC units without needing their landlord's permission, or with a streamlined approval process.
• Landlords could not arbitrarily refuse a reasonable request for cooling, potentially reducing conflicts.
• Specific technical conditions may be set — for example, requiring professional installation or units that meet noise limits — to protect building integrity.

It is important to note that this is still at the proposal stage. No legislation has been introduced in parliament yet, and the timeline for any change is unclear.

What Tenants Can Do Right Now

While the law has not changed yet, there are some steps you can take as a renter in Germany:

1. Check your rental contract (Mietvertrag). Some contracts already include clauses about modifications; a few landlords proactively allow AC installation.
2. Make a written request to your landlord. Some landlords will agree, especially if you propose a reversible installation (such as a portable unit that does not require drilling).
3. Consider portable units that require no structural changes. These do not need landlord permission in most cases, as they are not permanent fixtures.
4. Contact a tenant advice centre (Mieterverein) if you believe your landlord is being unreasonable. Germany has a strong network of tenant advocacy organisations.
5. Follow news on this proposal — if it moves to a parliamentary vote, the Deutschland4U team will update you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord legally stop me from installing an air conditioner right now?

Yes, under current German law, landlords can refuse to allow tenants to install air conditioning, especially if it involves any structural changes to the apartment or building. If you install one without permission and cause damage or alter the building, you could be held liable. Always get written consent before installing anything.

Will this new rule apply to all types of apartments?

The exact scope of any future law is not yet defined. However, similar rules for accessibility modifications already apply broadly across rental housing. It is possible that listed or heritage-protected buildings could be exempt, or that additional conditions could apply in shared buildings (Mehrfamilienhäuser) where common areas or the building facade are affected.

How long will it take for this to become law?

There is no confirmed timeline. The minister has expressed political will, but a formal legislative proposal must still be drafted, reviewed by parliament, and passed. Given Germany's coalition government dynamics, this could take months or longer. No change is in effect today.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Minister Hubig's proposal is a welcome signal for the many renters in Germany who have struggled to cope with summer heat. However, it remains a political statement, not yet a legal reality. If you are currently renting and want to install cooling, your best immediate steps are to review your contract, speak to your landlord in writing, and consult a local Mieterverein if needed. Deutschland4U will continue to track this story as it progresses through Germany's legislative process.

Source: Tagesschau (NDR/ARD)