Federal Justice Minister Hubig wants to make it easier for tenants to install air conditioning

Background: Heat stress in German cities

Under current tenancy law, structural modifications that go beyond the customary use of an apartment are generally only permitted with the landlord's consent. Tenants often have to either apply themselves for alterations to the building fabric – such as installing an outdoor air-conditioning unit or mounting shutters – or negotiate extensively with the property owner side. In practice, this leads to many tenants foregoing necessary cooling, according to sources close to the ministry.

Hubig signaled that she intends to advocate specifically for a clarification or expansion of the existing legal framework so that tenants can independently take measures for heat protection. She initially provided no details on a concrete draft law, the timeline, or the scope of the planned changes. It also remained unclear whether only mobile air-conditioning units and interior sun protection are to be covered, or also permanently installed systems on the facade.

Legal starting position

The Federal Justice Minister is not the first politician to take up the issue. In earlier summers, states and municipalities had already called for heat preparedness to be more firmly anchored in law. Experts point out that heat protection must be anchored beyond classic tenancy law, also in building planning, social legislation, and occupational safety. The initiative from the Federal Ministry of Justice could therefore be understood as one building block in a broader federal heat protection strategy.

The German Tenants' Association (Mieterbund) fundamentally welcomed considerations to strengthen tenants' rights regarding heat protection. At the same time, representatives of the landlord side – including Haus & Grund – pointed out that permanently installed air-conditioning systems could alter a building's structure and energy balance. They demanded that any facilitations be linked with clear rules for dismantling and for energy efficiency.

Reactions from tenants and landlords

It remains unclear so far how Hubig's ministry intends to shape the reform legally. A supplement to the German Civil Code (BGB) that by definition grants tenants a right to certain structural modifications for heat protection would be conceivable. Alternatively, facilitations in the Condominium Act (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz) or in the Heating Costs Ordinance (Heizkostenverordnung) could come into consideration. What is clear is that the initiative is part of a political debate that is set to gain importance in the coming years in light of climate change.

The question of cost distribution also remains unresolved. Until now, tenants generally bear the cost of purchasing and operating an air-conditioning unit themselves. If, on the other hand, the federal government were to introduce subsidies or tax relief for air-conditioning units and sun protection, this could significantly increase acceptance of such a law. The federal government has not yet taken a definitive position on this point.

Open questions on costs and timeline

Broadcast: BR24 Nachrichten, 08/19/2026 04:00