Drilling in a Berlin rental: what you're allowed
2026-08-08
Anchoring a tall wardrobe to the wall is not optional — a 236 cm PAX is required to be secured, and an unsecured one is a genuine hazard in a flat with children. But it means holes, and holes in a rented Berlin flat make people nervous.
Are you allowed to drill in a German rental at all?
Yes. Drilling for normal fixtures — shelves, wardrobes, mirrors, curtain rails, TV brackets — falls under ordinary contractual use (vertragsgemäßer Gebrauch). A clause that bans drilling outright is generally considered invalid, because it would stop you furnishing the flat you rent.
Will the holes cost you your deposit?
Normally no. You are expected to fill and smooth the holes when you move out, which is routine work — a tube of filler is a couple of euros. What can cost you is quantity and placement: a wall left looking perforated, or drilling through tiles in a bathroom or kitchen, is treated differently from four anchor points behind a wardrobe.
Where should you not drill?
Three places. Tiles, where a single hole can mean replacing a discontinued tile. Anywhere a supply line could run — vertically above or below a socket or switch, and horizontally beside it. And listed interior features, which in Berlin means original stucco, wall panelling and historic doors.
Does the landlord need to approve it?
Not for normal furniture fixings. Ask first if the building is listed, if you want more than a handful of holes in one wall, or if you are drilling into tiles or a fitted kitchen. A short written message is enough and settles the question before the deposit conversation ever happens.
What do we do differently on a rental?
We use the smallest number of anchor points that is still safe, tap-test to place them in solid material rather than hollow plaster, and drill with dust extraction so nothing settles into the floorboards. Four clean holes behind a wardrobe are a non-issue at handover.
Matching service
BESTÅ wall mounting Berlin – fixed price