Sharing CO2 Costs: Tenant Tips in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, the correct allocation and reimbursement of CO2 costs in the service charge statement can seem complicated. Many tenants do not know which items are permissible, how to check claims for reimbursement or which receipts are required. This guide explains in plain language which mistakes commonly occur, how to check receipts and deadlines, which forms and legal bases are relevant, and when a proceeding before the local court may become necessary. I name official legal bases such as the BGB and the Heating Costs Ordinance, offer practical wording suggestions for objections and explain which local courts are responsible. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, an FAQ and official links and forms so you can act purposefully.

What are CO2 costs in the statement?

CO2 costs are often passed on to tenants via heating and service charges. It is crucial whether the allocation is correctly stated in the contract and the statement and whether the calculation of costs is carried out according to the Heating Costs Ordinance.^[2] Check whether the items are clearly labeled and whether CO2 charges actually appear as allocable service charges.

Check common mistakes

• Incorrect distribution of CO2 costs (payment).
• Missing receipts or incomplete proof (document).
• Billing period does not match the consumption period (deadline).
• Reimbursement claims were not requested or deadlines were missed (refund).
• Non-compliance with statutory requirements from the Heating Costs Ordinance or the Operating Costs Ordinance (violation).

What to do if you find errors?

Proceed in a structured way: first check the formal requirements (allocability, billing period, distribution key), collect receipts (meter readings, payment receipts, correspondence) and prepare a clear claim to the landlord. Refer in your correspondence to the relevant legal bases, especially the German Civil Code (BGB) on landlord duties and reimbursement rights.^[1]

How-To

1. Check the statement systematically for items, distribution key and period (document).
2. Collect all relevant evidence: meter readings, payment receipts, correspondence with the landlord (document).
3. Draft a letter to the landlord with a concrete claim and deadline; use sample formulations that cite the legal basis (file).
4. If the landlord remains unwilling, consider going to the competent local court or seeking advice from an official body (court).

Practical notes on forms and evidence

There is no special "CO2 reimbursement form" from federal authorities; a simple, clearly structured letter with the claim amount, calculation breakdown and proof references is often sufficient. For terminations, lawsuits or other formal steps you will find templates and guidance at the Federal Ministry of Justice and in the statutory provisions.^[3]

FAQ

Can the landlord simply pass on CO2 costs?

Only if the allocation is contractually agreed and the costs are permissible under the Heating Costs Ordinance and the Operating Costs Ordinance; check the statement and request receipts.^[2]

How long do I have to claim a reimbursement?

Deadlines can vary; as a rule, for civil claims the regular statute of limitations under the BGB applies, so check deadlines and act promptly.^[1]

Where do I turn in case of dispute?

In non-consensual cases the local court is responsible; for legal questions and templates higher courts or the Federal Ministry can also provide information.^[3]

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB
• Federal Ministry of Justice – Forms and Guidance
• Federal Court of Justice – Decisions and Headnotes

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz – Official guidance and templates