Check Heating Costs for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany in 2025, it is important to check heating bills carefully to avoid unnecessary payments and enforce your rights. Many bills are based on consumption, the heating costs regulation and distribution keys; calculation errors, outdated meter data or missing receipts occur. This guide explains clearly which documents you should collect, how to check consumption figures, which deadlines apply and which official forms or courts are relevant. It contains practical steps, examples of objections and advice on when filing at the local court (Amtsgericht) makes sense. The goal is to give tenants clear, actionable control over heating costs and to highlight possible savings.

What tenants should check

Systematically check the bill and the underlying data. Pay special attention to billing period, meter readings, distribution key and the landlord's evidence.

• Billing period: Do the start and end dates match your rental period and are all months covered?
• Meter readings and receipts: Are meter values, reading protocols and invoices present and plausibly documented?
• Amounts and additional charges: Check calculations, advance payments and any credits or claims.
• Distribution key and agreements: Does the applied key correspond to the tenancy agreement or the heating cost regulation?

Forms and legal basis

Important legal bases are the German Civil Code (BGB) and the Heating Costs Ordinance.^[1][2] Relevant formal steps can include a written objection to the service charge statement, requesting missing receipts, or – as a last resort – filing a lawsuit at the local court under the Code of Civil Procedure.^[3]

Examples of official forms and filings:

• Lawsuit form (civil proceedings, local court): Used when you submit a formal lawsuit over an incorrect bill; example: a tenant files suit because the landlord did not provide meter readings.
• Written statement/objection to the landlord: Can be informal but should include date, contested items and receipts; example: timely objection within six months after receiving the bill.

Practical check steps

Proceed step by step, document each action and note deadlines.

1. Check deadlines: Note the bill receipt date and respond within common time frames, as otherwise claims may become harder to assert.
2. Collect receipts: Make copies of bills, meter readings, previous years’ heating bills and correspondence.
3. Recalculate the bill: Compare advance payments, cost types and the distribution key for plausibility.
4. Prepare an objection: Draft a factual, dated objection and request missing receipts in writing.
5. If no resolution is possible, inform the competent local court and consider filing a lawsuit under the Code of Civil Procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can the landlord demand additional billing?

The claim for additional billing is governed by §§ 535 et seq. BGB; a limitation period of three years often applies. Check the bill immediately and act promptly.^[1]

What role does the Heating Costs Ordinance play?

The Heating Costs Ordinance regulates consumption recording and billing methods; it is central in disputes about distribution keys or measurement procedures.^[2]

When is the local court competent?

Most tenancy disputes are handled by the local court; civil procedure rules for filing a lawsuit are found in the Code of Civil Procedure.^[3]

How-To

1. Gather all relevant documents and note the receipt date of the bill.
2. Compare meter readings with previous bills and photograph meter readings for documentation.
3. Calculate whether consumption and costs are in a plausible ratio with a simple comparison.
4. Draft and send a dated objection to the landlord; request missing receipts in writing.
5. If no clarification is possible, inform the competent local court and consider filing a lawsuit under the Code of Civil Procedure.

Key Takeaways

• Good documentation saves time and strengthens your position.
• Act quickly within deadlines to protect your rights.

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de