Check Heating Costs: 5 Steps for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany receive an annual heating cost statement and are unsure whether the figures are correct. This guide explains in plain language how to check the heating cost statement step by step, identify common errors and use legally sound sample letters to file an objection in time. We show which receipts and meter readings are important, which deadlines apply and when a trip to the local court or advice from authorities is sensible. The tips are practical, avoid legal jargon and help tenants review costs, check claims for refunds and enforce their rights under the BGB and the Heating Cost Ordinance. You will also find a practical checklist, a sample objection letter, information on official forms and links to competent courts and federal laws to help you decide.

What is included in the heating cost statement?

A heating cost statement usually lists total costs, consumption values, distribution keys and the advance payments you have made. Tenants should check whether the information is complete and whether the underlying receipts are available.

• Check the billing period (time)
• Verify total costs and distribution keys (payment)
• Match consumption values with meter reading receipts (document)
• Check the shares for hot water and heating (repair)
• Verify advance payments, credits or additional charges (payment)

Check in 5 steps

1. Check deadlines and formalities: Was the statement delivered within the legal deadline (time)
2. Request receipts and compare meter readings: Request original receipts and the reading protocol (document)
3. Understand cost allocation: Check the formula and distribution key for plausibility (payment)
4. Compare advance payments with actual charges: Recalculate whether the additional charge is correct (payment)
5. Prepare and send an objection: Use a sample letter and send the objection in time by registered mail or email with read receipt (form)

Sample letter: Template for objection

Date: [Date]
Sender: [Your name, address]
Recipient: [Landlord/Management]

Subject: Objection to the heating cost statement for the period [YYYY–YYYY]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby file a timely objection to the heating cost statement dated [date of statement]. Please send me the complete receipts, meter reading records and the applied distribution key calculation within 14 days for review. Until clarification, please refrain from enforcing any claimed additional charges. If I do not receive complete documents within the deadline, I reserve the right to take further legal action.

Sincerely,
[Signature]

FAQ

By when must the heating cost statement reach the tenant?

The statement should generally be issued within one year after the end of the billing period; if this period is exceeded, claims may lapse. For details see the BGB and case law.^[1]

How and when can I raise an objection?

An objection can be informal; it is recommended to submit a written objection with reasons and a deadline. If deadlines are met and documents are missing, inform the landlord in writing.^[2]

Which documents can I request?

You can request inspection of original receipts, maintenance contracts, meter reading records and the calculations underlying the statement.^[2]

How-To

1. Request all billing documents in writing (form)
2. Compare meter readings and calculation methods (document)
3. Recalculate a sample to detect obvious errors (payment)
4. Create a sample letter and set a deadline for documentation (form)
5. If unresolved, consider court action at the local Amtsgericht (court)

Help and Support / Resources

• Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV) – Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions on tenancy law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions on tenancy law