KARLSRUHE/MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - The Federal Court of Justice will not issue its ruling on the requirements and limits for barrier-free access to apartment buildings with multiple owners until the new year. As the highest German civil court announced on Friday after the hearing in Karlsruhe, it will announce its decision on February 9 (9:00 a.m.). The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has taken a close look at two cases. The first case concerns an exterior elevator on an Art Nouveau building in Munich, the second case concerns a terrace with a ramp on a residential complex in Bonn (case no. V ZR 244/22 and V ZR 33/23).

The proceedings are being examined against the backdrop of the 2020 reform of residential property law. According to this, every owner can demand appropriate structural changes that serve the use of people with disabilities. However, changes that fundamentally redesign a residential complex or disadvantage a condominium owner are not permitted. The reform has led to unresolved legal issues./asn/DP/mis