Choose Allocation Key on Time - Tenants Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may face questions about how service charges are allocated. An allocation key determines which cost shares are distributed among tenants and how the landlord settles charges. This article explains in plain terms when you should agree to a proposed allocation key, which deadlines apply and which formal steps are necessary. We show which legal bases in the BGB^[1] and in the BetrKV^[2] are relevant, which documents you can request and how to respond if the statement is unclear or incorrect. We also explain how to write formal objections, which deadlines the local court sets^[3] and which courts handle appeals and precedents^[4].

Was gilt beim Umlageschluessel?

The allocation key determines the criteria for distributing service charges (e.g., living area, number of persons, or consumption). Landlords may only distribute costs according to the rental agreement or a clear, comprehensible change. If unclear, consult the statutory provisions and the heating/service charge regulations.

Zustimmung und Fristen

Not every change to the allocation key becomes effective automatically. First check the rental agreement: some clauses allow flexible keys, others do not. If the landlord proposes a new key, there are deadlines for responses and possibly for objections.

• The landlord must announce the new allocation key in time; tenants usually have a short period (deadline) to respond.
• Changes that affect the rental agreement often require a written agreement or formal consent (form/notice).
• Check how the key affects your service charges and payments (rent/payment) before agreeing.

Belege und Nachweise

Collect all relevant documents: rental agreement, previous statements, meter readings and payment receipts. Documentation increases your chances in a settlement or proceeding.

• Request the complete statement and supporting documents (invoices, contracts, proofs) in writing.
• Compare previous statements for plausibility and changes in the allocation key.

Formulare und Muster

There is no nationwide official form for objections; a clear written objection usually suffices. If court proceedings become necessary, local courts use standardized claim forms under the rules of civil procedure (ZPO). A practical example: send a concise, dated objection to the landlord listing specific points ("missing meter readings", "allocation key not contractually agreed"), request documents and set a deadline of e.g. 14 days.

FAQ

Wer entscheidet über den Umlageschluessel?

Generally the rental agreement decides; changes usually require consent or a clear contractual basis from the landlord.

Was kann ich tun, wenn die Abrechnung unklar ist?

Request supporting documents in writing, check meter readings and deadlines, and submit written objections if necessary.

Wann ist ein Gericht eingeschaltet?

If no agreement with the landlord is possible, you can file a claim at the local court or seek legal advice.

Anleitung

1. Collect all documents: rental agreement, statements, meter readings and payment proofs.
2. Write a formal objection to the landlord with specific points and a deadline (e.g., 14 days).
3. If no agreement is reached, consider filing a claim at the competent local court or contacting tenant legal advice.
4. Observe all deadlines for objections and court procedures.

Hilfe und Unterstützung / Ressourcen

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) – Gesetze im Internet

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Information on courts and procedures — Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Jurisdiction and decisions