Charging Electricity for Tenants in Germany: Guide

As a tenant in Germany, you may wonder how to correctly bill electricity for electric cars or which rights apply to shared charging solutions. This guide explains clearly who may have to cover costs, what agreements are possible in the lease, and how billing works under heating and operating cost law. We show practical steps: metering, documentation, forms, and possible cost allocation between landlord and tenants. You will also find a checklist with deadlines and templates for letters to the landlord. The goal is that you know your rights, can act quickly, and are prepared in case of disputes.

What applies legally?

Generally, the rules of tenancy law in the German Civil Code (BGB) apply to landlord and tenant obligations, such as maintenance and operating cost billing^[1]. The Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) is relevant for operating cost billing and the Heating Costs Ordinance for the distribution of heating and hot water costs^[2][3]. In disputes, the local Amtsgericht often decides first; important precedent decisions come from the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[4].

• Who pays the charging amount? (payment) Clear agreements between landlord and tenant are important; otherwise general operating cost rules apply.
• Metering and billing (record) Legally compliant metering or separate meters are often prerequisites for proper invoicing.
• Application and consent (notice) Structural measures or mounting a wallbox usually require coordination with the landlord.
• Obligations to tolerate and cost allocation (right) Check whether the lease or an agreement regulates costs.

Checklist: Steps for tenants

• Organize metering (record): Agree on legally compliant meters or charging-point measurement and document meter readings.
• Send a written request to the landlord (notice): Request consent for installation and clarify cost coverage in writing.
• Observe deadlines (deadline): Respond within deadlines to landlord inquiries or offers.
• Collect receipts (record): Keep invoices, photos and logs to substantiate your billing.

FAQ

Who pays for home charging?

It depends on the agreement: If there is no rule, the principles of operating cost accounting apply; landlords and tenants often negotiate an individual allocation.^[1]

Can the landlord require separate meters?

The landlord can request or enable separate metering if technical and legal requirements (e.g. calibration law) are met; detailed rules are found in the BetrKV.^[2]

What to do if there is no agreement?

Document everything, send a formal request for clarification and consider legal steps such as filing a claim at the local Amtsgericht; significant legal rulings come from the BGH.^[4]

How-To

1. Make contact: Send a clear email or letter to the landlord with facts, your preferred solution and a deadline.
2. Set up metering: Clarify whether a separate meter or legally compliant charging measurement is required.
3. Create the bill: Gather meter readings and invoices and prepare a transparent breakdown.
4. Act in disputes: If necessary, file a claim at the competent Amtsgericht or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
• Heating Costs Ordinance — Gesetze im Internet

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Heizkostenverordnung — Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Decisions and information