DIN standard for building inspection stopped: Success for tenants in Grevenbroich!

DIN standard for building inspection stopped: Success for tenants in Grevenbroich!

On May 23, 2025, the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) announced that the draft for a new DIN standard for regular building inspections had been withdrawn. This decision was welcomed by Ingo Hamecher, chairman of “Haus & Grund Grevenbroich”, as a success for the tenants and owners. The original plan called for annual inspections, which would have entailed significant costs for owners and tenants. The owners' association had already spoken out against this standard in the spring and can now breathe a sigh of relief.

The initially planned DIN 94681, which is known as “road safety inspection of residential buildings”, caused intensive discussions. This standard, which included systematic visual inspections of fire protection, fall protection, gas pipes and electrical systems, would have required owners to conduct regular inspections and provide appropriate documentation. That would have caused many owners legal and financial difficulties. According to critics, it was a “building MOT” that would impose far-reaching obligations. According to the Association of German Property Managers (VDIV), a violation of the recommended inspection intervals could even be considered a breach of duty, which could have serious consequences for liability and insurance coverage.

Financial implications and legal concerns

The VDIV pointed out that the standard, although declared voluntary, could potentially become de facto binding if courts or insurance companies rely on it. This possible mandatory nature has alarmed many owners and associations, as the proposed requirements are so detailed that private owners would have to hire outside service providers, which would incur additional costs. Larger residential complexes in particular would be burdened by the foreseeable additional costs, which could ultimately be passed on to the tenants.

The VDIV plans to issue a negative statement on the standard. Managing director Martin Kaßler criticized that existing legal regulations were sufficient and that no further DIN standards were needed. The discussion about this standard highlights the tensions in the housing sector between safety requirements and the financial burdens on owners and tenants.

With the withdrawal of the draft, players in the real estate industry are faced with the challenge of concentrating on the existing regulations and critically questioning further standards. The understanding that the safety of residential buildings is a top priority must still be balanced with reasonable costs for everyone involved.