Check Heating Costs for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you should carefully check heating cost statements and service charge bills before accepting payments or raising objections. This guide explains which documents and statements matter, the order in which to check deadlines, and how to submit objections formally and on time. We explain mandatory information, typical calculation errors, evidence of energy consumption, and which templates or sample texts can help. Step by step we show how to collect documents, document defects and draft a legally secure objection so that your rights as a tenant are protected. Concrete examples and notes on the competent authorities and courts in Germany complete the instructions. The information is based on applicable laws and official regulations.
Documents to Check
Before sending an objection, systematically check all relevant records. Pay particular attention to completeness, transparency of calculation and consumption values.
- Heating cost statement with consumption breakdown and allocation key.
- Reading receipts, meter readings and reading protocols (keep photos or scans).
- Proofs of advance payments, payments made and deposit notes.
- Your rental contract with service charge agreements and any contractual specifics.
Deadlines and Order
The landlord is generally required to present the service charge statement within twelve months after the end of the billing period; therefore check the billing date first. For your objection: respond in writing within the deadline set by the landlord or promptly after receiving the statement. For legal proceedings, general civil procedural rules of the ZPO apply.[3]
- Check the date of the statement and note deadlines.
- Request missing documents immediately in writing.
- Set a reasonable deadline for submitting documents.
How to Formulate Objections Securely
Draft your objection clearly, factually and in writing. State the billing year, the contested items and attach evidence. There is no nationwide prescribed form for objections to service charge statements; an informal letter is sufficient if it contains all relevant information. Refer to missing or unclear documentation and request correction or clarification.
Key elements of an objection letter
- Recipient address, date and subject including the billing year.
- Short description of the objection and reference to missing documents.
- Specific request: correction, provision of documents or repayment within a deadline.
- Note that you may involve the competent courts if no clarification occurs.[3]
Sample text (short template): "I hereby object to the heating cost statement for the period XX/XX. Please submit the meter reading records and allocation keys by DD.MM.YYYY. Until clarification, I reserve the right to withhold payments."
FAQ
- How long do I have to check a heating cost statement?
- Check the statement immediately upon receipt; the landlord should present the statement within twelve months after the end of the billing period, after which claims can become more difficult.[3]
- Which documents must be provided?
- Key documents are meter reading records, individual consumption, allocation keys and payment receipts; without these the statement is often not comprehensible.[2]
- What can I do if the landlord does not respond?
- Send a written reminder with a deadline; if there is no response, you can have the matter reviewed by the competent local court or seek legal advice.[3]
How-To
- Check the received statement and note the billing period.
- Request missing documents in writing and set deadlines.
- Draft an objection in writing, attach documents and send it.
- If there is no resolution, check jurisdiction at the local court and consider legal action.[3]
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – sections on tenancy
- [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
- [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – procedural rules
