Check Heating Bills: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to review the heating bill critically by yourself. Many bills contain calculation errors, missing receipts or incorrect consumption allocations that can lead to excessive demands. This practical guide explains clearly which figures you should compare, which deadlines apply and which official forms you can use to raise objections. I show how to check meter readings, request receipts and formulate a formal objection correctly. The guide uses applicable German law as a basis and refers to specific authorities and courts so that you as a tenant can assert your rights safely and factually. At the end you will find a simple step-by-step guide, an FAQ and notes on which courts and authorities you can contact.

What are common errors in heating bills?

Heating bills often contain systematic errors that are easy to overlook. Pay special attention to calculation mistakes, missing or incomplete receipts and incorrect allocation keys.

• Calculation errors in total amounts or rounding differences
• Missing or illegible receipts for fuel costs or maintenance
• Incorrect allocation of costs to individual units
• Overlooked billing periods or incorrect billing dates
• Repair or maintenance costs incorrectly charged as billable

Legal basis and forms

The basis for the review is civil law rules such as the BGB and special regulations on operating and heating cost billing.^[1] The Heating Costs Ordinance regulates the distribution and billing bases for heating costs.^[2] For formal steps, templates such as an objection letter or a termination letter can be used; official templates are provided by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

How tenants can logically check heating costs

1. First check the billing period and compare it with your own payment receipts.
2. Compare the stated meter readings with your own reading records or photos.
3. Recalculate individual items: total costs, allocation key and your share.
4. Request missing receipts in writing and set a deadline for submission.
5. If the landlord does not respond, draft a written objection and, if necessary, arrange mediation or file a claim at the competent local court.

Example practical approach: Photograph meter readings, record payment data and create a simple spreadsheet to make differences visible. If there are discrepancies, send an informal letter with a deadline and request the original receipts.

Forms and templates

Important documents include:

• Termination letter / objection template from the Federal Ministry of Justice for formal letters
• Meter reading protocols and payment receipts (your own copies)

FAQ

How long do I have to object to a heating bill?

Check the bill immediately; raise objections in writing as soon as possible so that deadlines are not missed.

Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?

If the landlord does not respond, you can have the dispute resolved by the competent local court; in many cases a written request beforehand is advisable.

Which receipts should I request?

Request the building's heating bills, invoices for fuel, maintenance receipts and meter reading lists.

How-To

1. Gather all bills, invoices and your payment receipts for the billing period.
2. Compare billing period and meter readings with your records.
3. Calculate your share using the allocation key in the lease or according to Heating Costs Ordinance rules.
4. If errors are found, submit a formal objection and request missing receipts within a reasonable deadline.
5. If unresolved, file the documents with the local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - §§ 535–580a
• [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV)
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Information and decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Information and decisions