General Electricity Myths for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany feel uncertain when their landlord charges general electricity or demands a large additional payment. This article explains clearly what "general electricity" means, which obligations apply to the operating cost statement and what rights you have as a tenant. You will learn how to check a statement, meet deadlines and which documents are important. I provide a practical sample letter you can use to review or dispute a charge. It also covers when going to the local court makes sense and which laws and regulations in Germany form the basis. The goal is that you, as a tenant, can respond confidently and review your ancillary costs.

What is general electricity?

General electricity refers to power used for common areas, corridor lighting, heating systems or elevators and is usually billed by the landlord via operating costs. In apartment buildings this consumption is often recorded separately or allocated via a flat rate. Important: as a tenant you only pay what is contractually allowed and permitted under the Operating Costs Regulation.^[2]

Rights on additional payments and checking the statement

If you receive an additional charge, first check the formal elements of the statement: billing period, allocation key, individual receipts and document verification. The basics of the tenancy and the obligations of landlord and tenant are set out in the German Civil Code (BGB) in §§ 535–580a.^[1] For uncertainties about allocating operating costs, the Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) provides guidance.^[2]

• Check whether the billing period is correct and not older than 12 months after receipt.
• Review receipts: electricity bills, meter readings and landlord contracts.
• Compare the allocation key (e.g. by square meters) with the rental contract.
• If unsure: pay the uncontested portion and object to the rest in writing.

When is the sample letter useful?

A sample letter helps to point out formal errors, set deadlines and request receipts. It does not waive rights: you preserve your claims and document communication.

Sample letter: Objection to an additional charge

Sender Name
Address
Date

Landlord / Property Management
Address

Subject: Objection to operating costs statement / additional charge dated [date]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby object to the operating costs statement dated [date] and to the demanded additional payment of [amount]. Please send me the underlying individual receipts (electricity bill, meter readings, accounting data) within 14 days and explain the allocation key used. Until clarification, I withhold payment of the disputed amount. I reserve the right to take legal action.

Yours sincerely
[Signature]

When is taking legal action to the local court appropriate?

If the landlord refuses to provide receipts or the statement remains incorrect after review, a lawsuit at the competent local court may be appropriate. Procedures and formal requirements for lawsuits are regulated by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[3] Before filing suit, seek legal advice and collect all evidence.

FAQ

What does general electricity include?

General electricity includes consumption for common areas and technical building equipment; costs may be allocated under the rental contract and the BetrKV.

Do I have to pay additional charges immediately?

Not necessarily: check the statement, request receipts and only pay uncontested parts or pay under reservation.

How do I use the sample letter?

Fill in placeholders (date, amount), request receipts within a deadline and send the letter by registered mail or in a verifiable way.

How-To

1. Check the statement for completeness and formal errors.
2. Request receipts in writing within a deadline (e.g. 14 days).
3. Only pay undisputed amounts or pay under reservation.
4. Document all communication and collect receipts.
5. Seek legal advice if disputes persist.
6. Consider court action at the competent local court only if necessary.

Key points

• Check every operating costs statement carefully.
• Always request missing receipts in writing.
• Use a sample letter for clear communication.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Full text
• Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) – Full text
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – Full text

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)