Digital Receipt Access for Tenants in Germany

What does digital receipt access mean?

Digital receipt access means: as a tenant you can request receipts, invoices and accounting files from the landlord in electronic form, review and copy them to verify additional charges. Legal bases such as the BGB and the Operating Costs Regulation govern duties to disclose and make records auditable ^[1][2]. In shared flats it is important to clarify early who forwards receipts and how costs are shared.

Practical steps for tenants

The following steps help to check claims and clarify additional charges factually.

• Request receipts in writing by email or registered mail and set a reasonable deadline.
• Save all incoming files, name files with date and sender, and keep a verification list.
• Observe deadlines: respond within the set period or request an extension.
• If invoices are unclear or missing, ask for originals or proof of payment.
• If unsure, seek legal advice or contact the mediation office.

Documentation and template letters

Use clear, short letters: date, billing period, specific items and the request for digital inspection (e.g. PDF with receipts and invoices). Name a response deadline (for example 14 days) and keep proof of dispatch. If the landlord provides aggregated receipts only, request itemized statements.

FAQ

Can I request digital copies?

Yes. Tenants can usually request inspection of receipts; landlords must present proofs in a way that allows examination ^[1].

What if receipts are missing or incomplete?

Request the missing receipts in writing and set a deadline; document all steps and involve legal advice if necessary.

What deadlines apply for objections to the statement?

Check and report objections promptly; specific limitation periods may apply depending on the case, so act without delay.

How-To

1. Request the digital receipts by email or registered letter and state the billing period.
2. Set a clear deadline (for example 14 days) for the submission.
3. Check receipts for consistency with the statement: amounts, invoice dates, proof of payment.
4. Follow up in writing on unclear items and request itemized statements if necessary.
5. If the landlord does not respond, inform the competent local court (Amtsgericht) for further legal steps ^[4].

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – BGB
• Gesetze im Internet – Betriebskostenverordnung
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof – Informationen und Entscheidungen