GermanyCan I demand removal of a dangerous installation near my property under German law?
Yes, under BGB § 907, you can demand removal if the installation poses a certain and unlawful impact on your property — but only after that impact actually occurs, unless it violates statutory distance or safety rules.
What the Law Says
German law gives landowners protection against hazardous installations on neighboring properties — but with important limits and conditions.
Under BGB § 907, you may demand removal or cessation of an installation on your neighbor’s land if it is *certain* (not merely possible) that its existence or use will cause an unlawful impact on your property — such as structural danger, excessive noise, vibration, or emissions.
However, if the installation complies with state-level regulations (e.g., minimum boundary distances or technical safety standards), you generally cannot demand removal *in advance*. You must wait until the unlawful impact actually occurs — for example, measurable noise exceeding legal limits or physical damage to your building.
Importantly, BGB § 907 explicitly excludes trees and shrubs from its scope. Disputes about overhanging branches or invasive roots fall under other provisions (e.g., §§ 910, 923 BGB).
Statutory TextDer Eigentümer eines Grundstücks kann verlangen, dass auf den Nachbargrundstücken nicht Anlagen hergestellt oder gehalten werden, von denen mit Sicherheit vorauszusehen ist, dass ihr Bestand oder ihre Benutzung eine unzulässige Einwirkung auf sein Grundstück zur Folge hat. Genügt eine Anlage den landesgesetzlichen Vorschriften, die einen bestimmten Abstand von der Grenze oder sonstige Schutzmaßregeln vorschreiben, so kann die Beseitigung der Anlage erst verlangt werden, wenn die unzulässige Einwirkung tatsächlich hervortritt.
— BGB § 907 — German Civil Code
Statutory TextBäume und Sträucher gehören nicht zu den Anlagen im Sinne dieser Vorschriften.
— BGB § 907(2) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts apply strict criteria to determine whether an installation qualifies as 'dangerous' under BGB § 907 — especially for technical equipment like heat pumps.
The court held that humming from an air-source heat pump constitutes an unlawful immission if it exceeds TA Laerm limits — specifically 35 dB(A) at night in residential areas — triggering the neighbor’s right to demand mitigation or removal under BGB § 907.
What to Do
Document the hazard: measure noise, vibration, or physical risks (e.g., using certified sound level meters or structural reports).
Check local building codes and TA Lärm compliance — if the installation violates distance or noise rules, you may act immediately.
Send a written request to your neighbor citing BGB § 907 and your evidence; keep proof of delivery.
If ignored, consult a lawyer to file an injunction or claim for removal in local court (Amtsgericht).
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.