Check Heating Bills: Tenant Guide for Germany
As a tenant in Germany, it is important to check the heating bill carefully, especially in a shared flat (WG) where costs are often divided. Many bills contain errors in consumption shares, allocation keys or advance payments. This guide explains in plain language which items you should check, how to compare meter readings and billing periods, and when a sample letter is useful. You will receive practical steps for documentation, how to observe deadlines and when it makes sense to act without a lawyer. We show concrete wording for an objection or correction request and link to official forms and courts such as the local court for tenancy disputes. At the end you will find a sample letter for WGs, notes on deadlines and useful contacts in Germany.
What to check
- Check meter readings and compare them with your own notes.
- Verify the billing period and ensure it is complete.
- Compare advance payments with the amounts billed.
- Understand the allocation key and consumption shares for shared flats.
- Collect receipts, invoices and meter readings as evidence.
If you find discrepancies, first draft a short sample letter with a clear request for correction and a deadline. Legal bases can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB) on landlord obligations and in the Heating Costs Ordinance on the distribution of costs[1][2]. Only file a lawsuit if the landlord does not respond or an agreement is not possible; the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible for tenancy disputes[3].
FAQ
- How long do I have to check a heating bill?
- Check the bill as soon as you receive it. Written objections should be made within the period stated in the letter; landlords typically respond within 14–30 days.
- How are costs fairly divided in a shared flat?
- Check the allocation key used (people, square meters or consumption). Compare the share calculation with your rental agreement and document individual meter readings separately.
- When is a lawyer worth it?
- A lawyer is useful for complex legal issues or if there are large additional claims. For smaller errors, a sample letter and clarification without court often helps.
How-To
- Collect all bills, bank statements and meter readings.
- Compare meter readings for the billing period.
- Note deadlines and file a written objection within the time limit.
- Send a sample letter: state the facts, request correction and set a deadline.
- If there is no response, consider filing a claim at the local court or seeking mediation.
Key Takeaways
- Documentation improves your chances in disputes.
- Observe deadlines and act promptly.
- A clear sample letter resolves many cases without a lawyer.
Help and Support
- German Civil Code (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
- Heating Costs Ordinance — Gesetze im Internet
- Justice Portal — Information on Courts
