Check Heating Bills: Tenant Checklist Germany
As a tenant in Germany it is important to understand the heating bill precisely: it often determines high supplementary charges or refunds. This guide helps you spot common errors, check billing periods and meter readings, and systematically collect receipts. I explain clearly which parts of the service charge statement should be checked, when the heating cost regulation applies and which deadlines must be observed. I also show how to file a formal objection, which official forms and sample letters can be used and when a court must be involved. The goal is for you as a tenant to assert your rights securely and avoid unnecessary payments. The checklist below simplifies the process and names deadlines and types of evidence.
Checklist: Check heating costs
- Check billing period: Is the billing period correct and within the deadline (deadline)?
- Check meter readings: Compare reading dates, meter numbers and receipts (receipt).
- Check allocation key: Are the amounts (amount) and percentages correct?
- Observe the heating cost regulation: Was consumption recording applied correctly according to the Heating Cost Regulation (heating)?[2]
- Check additional charges: Were payments calculated correctly and offset against outstanding payments (payment)?
- Collect receipts: invoices, photos, maintenance reports (document) in order.
- Submit objections within the deadline: send in writing as a form/notice and by registered mail.
- Court steps: If necessary, consider filing a lawsuit or collection proceedings at the competent court (court).[4]
What to do if the bill is incorrect?
If you find discrepancies, document the error precisely: compare meter reading dates, note differences and collect evidence. Request a correction from the landlord in writing and set a clear deadline. Use an informal letter or a sample letter from the Federal Ministry of Justice as a template and send it by registered mail.[3]
If the landlord insists on the incorrect bill, you can possibly withhold payment or pay only the undisputed amount. Warning: complete refusal to pay may lead to reminders or even a lawsuit; act documented and timely. For questions about rent reduction or contract obligations, the rules of the German Civil Code (BGB) apply.[1]
Forms and templates
Important official templates and legal texts tenants should use:
- Termination and objection templates: practical templates from the Federal Ministry of Justice (sample letter for supplementary charges).[3]
- Copies of receipts and reading protocols: number and date them systematically.
- Contact details of the competent local court for eviction or payment disputes (see procedural rules in the ZPO).[4]
FAQ
- Who checks the heating bill?
- As a tenant you should check the bill yourself; in case of uncertainty a tenant protection office or lawyer can help. Legal bases are in the BGB and the Heating Cost Regulation.[1]
- What deadline applies to file an objection?
- Deadlines often result from the letter; in general you should respond in writing within three months after receipt and provide evidence.
- Can I withhold payments?
- Partly yes: with a justified objection you can withhold the disputed part, but full refusal to pay may lead to collection proceedings or a lawsuit.
How-To
- Collect: Organize all bills, receipts, tenant payments and meter readings.
- Check: Compare billing period, meter numbers and allocation key.
- Write: Formulate the objection in writing and send by registered mail.
- Set a deadline: Give the landlord a clear deadline to correct the bill (e.g. 14 days).
- Escalate: If no agreement, initiate a lawsuit or seek advice with the local court/attorney.[4]
Key Takeaways
- Document everything immediately and chronologically.
- Respond to additional charges and letters within the deadline.
- Use official templates and legal texts as reference.
Help and Support
- German Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
- Heating Cost Regulation (HeizKV) – Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
