Charging E-Car Electricity: Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how to correctly account for e-car charging electricity, especially when the landlord refuses a refund or calculates it incorrectly. This text explains in practical terms which rights tenants have, which sections of the BGB and the Operating Costs Ordinance are important, how to check a bill, complain about defects and meet deadlines. You will receive a step-by-step guide to objecting, tips on documentation and evidence, and examples of forms and authorities that can help. The aim is that you as a tenant know when you are entitled to costs, how to enforce them and when a trip to the local court may be necessary. The information is general and does not replace individual legal advice. We show practical steps and shortcuts so you can act quickly.

When tenants can demand reimbursement for e-car electricity

Tenants can demand reimbursement for e-car electricity under certain conditions: when the billing is transparent, consumption has been recorded correctly and there are no deviating agreements in the tenancy agreement. The landlord's duties for operating costs and billing under the BGB and the provisions of the Operating Costs Ordinance are decisive.^[1][2]

Disputing an incorrect bill: step by step

• Check whether meter readings and billing periods are listed correctly.
• Compare the stated consumption values with your own records.
• Set a clear deadline for correction and request a corrected bill.
• Always send the objection in writing and in a verifiable way (registered mail/insert or by email with read receipt).
• Document evidence: photos of meter readings, charging receipts and proof of payment.

Forms and authorities

For further steps, tenants often need justice forms: for example a complaint form at the competent local court (claim for outstanding reimbursement) or an application for a payment order if the landlord does not respond. The specific forms can be found on the pages of the state justice administrations or the central justice portal.^[3] One example: first send a written objection with a deadline; if the landlord does not react, you can file for a payment order and ultimately sue if necessary.

FAQ

When am I entitled to reimbursement for e-car electricity?

You are entitled if the tenancy agreement does not contain a deviating regulation, consumption has been recorded correctly and the billing complies with legal requirements.

How do I word an effective objection?

State the error briefly, give concrete meter readings, attach evidence and set a clear deadline for correction.

When do I have to go to the local court?

If payment order procedures and written objections fail and the value in dispute justifies court proceedings, a claim at the local court may be necessary.

How-To

1. Check the invoice carefully: meters, period and amounts.
2. Gather evidence: photos of meter readings, charging receipts and bank statements.
3. Send a formal objection with a deadline and deliver it in a verifiable way.
4. Consider a payment order if the landlord does not respond.
5. Finally, consider filing suit at the competent local court if all out-of-court steps fail.

Help and Support

• BGB §§535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
• Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
• Justice portal — local courts and forms

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1. [1] BGB §§535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Justice portal — local courts and forms