District Heating Price Changes: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you have rights when your landlord announces a district heating price adjustment. First check the written notice, your tenancy agreement and the exact calculation of cost allocation. Pay attention to deadlines, the justification and whether the change is contractually agreed or concerns a separate operating cost statement. If there is uncertainty, collect all notices and receipts and prepare a short summary for an advisory meeting. In case of formal errors or lack of basis, tenants can file objections, send a formal request for correction and, if necessary, have the matter decided at the competent local court.^[1]

What applies to district heating price adjustments?

A price adjustment must be legally justifiable and can be influenced by contractual agreements, adjustment clauses or by statutory provisions. Relevant are regulations in the BGB on tenancy relationships as well as the Heating Costs Ordinance for the allocation of costs.^{[1] [2]}

How can tenants check legality?

Proceed step by step, document everything and check formal requirements of the notice.

• Check the notice: date, deadline, justification (deadline).
• Verify the invoice: which items are allocated to tenants (rent).
• Review the contract: does the lease contain adjustment clauses or agreements (form).
• Collect evidence: statements, letters, photos and e-mails (evidence).
• Contact: ask the landlord in writing about details and deadlines (contact).

Checklist for tenants

Use this short checklist to systematically check whether the price adjustment is permissible:

1. Did you receive a written notice with justification?
2. Does the notice contain a deadline or date for the change (deadline)?
3. Are costs distributed correctly according to the Heating Costs Ordinance (rent)?
4. Is there a formal statement with supporting documents (evidence)?
5. Did you ask the landlord in writing and receive an answer (contact)?

What steps can tenants take?

If you find errors or ambiguities, send a formal written request or objection to the landlord with a deadline. Request a corrected statement and explain which items are unclear or not comprehensible. If the landlord insists on his calculation and the dispute continues, tenants can seek legal advice or, if necessary, bring an action before the competent local court.^[3]

FAQ

Can the landlord unilaterally increase district heating prices?

No, a unilateral increase must be based on contractual grounds or legitimate allocable items; otherwise, an objection can be filed.

Which deadlines are important for a price adjustment?

Pay attention to the deadlines stated in the notice and respond within that time, for example by asking questions or filing an objection.

Who resolves disputes over price adjustments?

In unresolved conflicts, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) usually decides tenancy disputes in the first instance.

How-To

1. Collect all relevant documents: notices, statements and the tenancy agreement.
2. Draft a written request to the landlord with specific points and a deadline.
3. If necessary, seek legal advice or counseling at an official body.
4. If no agreement is possible, prepare a claim or application at the local court.

Help & Support

• BGB §§ 535–580a: Rights and duties in tenancy relationships
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) on cost allocation
• Information on courts and jurisdiction (local court)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Amtsgericht (Competence for tenancy law) — justiz.de