Can my landlord dictate how I furnish my apartment?
May 4, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Kuhn
Dear lawyer,
I have a question regarding tenancy law and hope that you can help me. My name is Lilli Fuchs and I rent an apartment in Munich. Recently, my landlord has dictated how I should furnish my apartment. He wants me to remove certain furniture pieces and add others, as he believes that my current furnishings do not match his taste.
I am unsure if my landlord has the right to make such demands. I feel restricted in my personal freedom of design and wonder if I am not allowed to furnish my apartment according to my own taste. Can my landlord really dictate how I should design my apartment?
I am concerned that my landlord could make further regulations regarding my apartment furnishings and would like to know what rights I have as a tenant in terms of designing my apartment. Are there any ways for me to resist this interference from my landlord? What legal steps can I take in this case to preserve my freedom of design?
I would greatly appreciate your help and advice on this matter. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Lilli Fuchs
Dear Mrs. Fuchs,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding rental law. It is understandable that you are concerned about the requirements of your landlord regarding the furnishing of your apartment. In Germany, there are clear legal regulations that govern the relationship between tenant and landlord and also protect the tenant's freedom of design.
In principle, a landlord does not have the right to make specific requirements regarding the furnishing of your rental apartment. As a tenant, you have the right to furnish your apartment according to your own taste, as long as it does not cause damage to the apartment and the structural integrity is maintained. Therefore, your landlord cannot simply dictate which furniture you should use or what colors you should have on the walls.
If your landlord still tries to make requirements regarding the furnishing, you can resist. You can kindly but firmly inform your landlord that you have the right to furnish your apartment according to your own taste. If your landlord continues to insist on their requirements, you can seek the help of a lawyer specializing in rental law.
In such a case, it may be advisable to seek an amicable solution with your landlord, for example through a discussion or mediation. If this is not possible, you may also consider taking legal action. A lawyer can help you assert your rights as a tenant and prevent your landlord from interfering with your freedom of design.
It is important that you are aware of your rights as a tenant and defend them if necessary. I hope my explanation has been helpful to you and I am available to assist you further if you have any more questions.
Best regards,
Ludwig Kuhn, Lawyer specializing in rental law
