Complain About Building Electricity: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to understand how building electricity (Allgemeinstrom) may appear on the service-charge statement and when you can dispute a bill. Many tenants are unsure which items are permissible, how costs are allocated and which deadlines apply. This guide explains in plain language the legal foundations, which documents you should request and how to file a formal objection. It also describes common errors with shared electricity supply, how to notify the landlord of defects, and concrete steps to enforce your rights — including court actions if necessary. At the end you will find step-by-step instructions, frequently asked questions, official resources and sample notes for letters to landlords and courts.

What is "Allgemeinstrom" and when does it apply?

Allgemeinstrom (also house electricity or communal electricity) are electricity costs for lighting and operation of common areas, for example stairwells, basements or exterior lighting. Such costs can be billed as operating costs if they are named in the rental agreement or a separate agreement and comply with the rules of the Betriebskostenverordnung^[2]. At the same time, the general obligations from tenancy law under the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) apply to landlords and tenants^[1].

How can tenants check the bill?

Check each service-charge statement step by step: verify whether Allgemeinstrom is listed separately, whether the allocation key is comprehensible and whether receipts are available. Request original invoices and reading records from the landlord if in doubt.

• Check whether Allgemeinstrom is itemized separately and which allocation key was used.
• Request receipts and invoices from the landlord in writing.
• Observe deadlines: objections to the statement should be made promptly, usually within 12 months of receipt.
• Formulate your objection in writing and provide concrete reasons (items, positions, missing receipts).
• For technical questions (e.g. faulty meters) demand maintenance or inspection records.

Steps to dispute a bill

If you find errors or unclear Allgemeinstrom costs in the bill, proceed systematically: check, document, request, object in writing and, if necessary, consider legal steps.

1. Document the disputed items and copy the statement.
2. Send a written objection to the landlord with a deadline (e.g. 14 days for a response).
3. If no resolution, seek free advice from local tenant counseling or the district court for guidance.
4. Consider legal action if deadlines are missed or the landlord does not respond.

Forms, templates and practical examples

There is no uniform federal form for objecting to a service-charge statement, but you can use a simple letter: subject, billing period, specifically dispute items, set a deadline and attach copies. For court proceedings, standardized complaint and claim forms are provided via the justice portals.

• Objection to the service-charge statement (template): state date, billing period, positions and request receipts in writing; example: "I hereby object to the item 'Allgemeinstrom' in the amount of X euros and request submission of the invoice within 14 days."
• Complaint form for eviction or payment disputes: forms and guidance are available at the competent local court or the justice portal.
• Example defect notice for a faulty meter: describe the defect, give the date and request repair within a deadline.

FAQ

Can the landlord bill Allgemeinstrom as a flat rate?

The landlord may only bill Allgemeinstrom if this is contractually agreed or if the costs are allocable under the Betriebskostenverordnung. Questions about allocation logic should be explained with receipts.^[2]

What deadlines apply for objecting to the statement?

Respond as early as possible. In practice you should object within a few weeks; for asserting claims statutory limitation under the BGB may be relevant.^[1]

Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?

Seek advice from local tenant counseling or the competent district court; for complex legal questions court clarification may be necessary.^[4]

How-To

1. Review: Compare the statement with your lease and check whether Allgemeinstrom is listed as an operating-cost item.
2. Request receipts: Ask for the communal electricity invoice and the allocation key in writing.
3. Write an objection: Send a reasoned objection to the landlord and set a short deadline.
4. Seek advice: Use local tenant advice services or the district court for next steps if no agreement is reached.

Key takeaways

• Keep copies of all bills, requests and correspondence.
• File objections promptly and observe legal deadlines.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) – Gesetze im Internet
• Information about district courts – Justiz.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) – Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Informationen zu Amtsgerichten – Justiz.de