Check Heating Bills 2025: Tenant Guide Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to check heating bills 2025 systematically: organize documents, observe deadlines and identify possible errors. This guide clearly explains which records you should request, how to compare meter readings and when a subsequent charge is legally permissible. I show practical steps to reduce costs and how to secure evidence to remain firm with the landlord or court. This includes notes on relevant sections of the BGB^[1], the Heating Costs Ordinance^[2] and which courts^[4] are responsible. At the end you will find sample forms, a step-by-step guide and official links for tenants.

Which documents you should collect

• Heating cost statement (current and previous years)
• Individual statements and landlord receipts
• Meter readings, supplier invoices and invoice numbers
• Transfer receipts and bank statements for payments made

Deadlines

Check the statement immediately upon receipt and respond within statutory deadlines. Note the date of receipt and prepare objections in writing. The specific deadline for reviewing the statement follows from the service agreement and the Heating Costs Ordinance^[2].

Review steps: how to proceed

1. Check the date and billing period and compare with your meter photos.
2. Compare supplier invoices and receipts with the items listed in the statement.
3. Identify calculation errors or misallocated costs and recalculate the total.
4. Formulate written objections and send by registered mail or verifiable email.

If the landlord does not respond

If there is no response, collect all previous contact attempts (emails, registered mail, photos) and consider whether a rent reduction or lawsuit is necessary. The local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for disputes; appeals go to the regional court and in certain cases to the Federal Court of Justice^[4].

What official rules regulate

For formal review, the Civil Code (BGB) is particularly relevant, as well as the Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) and the Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV). These rules determine which costs can be passed on, how statements must be prepared and what information landlords must provide^[1][2][3].

FAQ

How long do I have to check a heating cost statement?

Check the statement immediately; formal objections should be made within weeks of receipt. Specific deadlines depend on the agreement and the Heating Costs Ordinance.^[2]

Which forms do I need for an objection?

There is no nationwide mandatory form; use a written objection letter with a list of documents and a deadline; sample letters are available from official bodies.

Where can I turn if the dispute remains?

If not resolved, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for tenancy disputes. Alternatively, some cities offer consumer or tenant advisory services.

How-To

1. Collect documents: statement, receipts, meter photos and proof of payment.
2. Compare each item in the statement with your receipts.
3. Find errors, recalculate totals and document discrepancies.
4. Send objections in writing and within the deadline, and prove receipt.
5. If there is no response, consider legal steps at the local court and seek advice.

Key Takeaways

• Early checking prevents unnecessary back payments.
• Careful documentation is strong evidence in disputes.
• Observe deadlines to avoid legal disadvantages.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB: Civil Code - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Jurisdiction of Local Courts (Amtsgericht) - justiz.de