EV Charging Billing for Tenants in Germany
Many tenants in Germany are unsure how electricity for charging electric cars should be billed correctly, especially when landlords demand reimbursements or flat rates. As a tenant you should know which costs can be treated as operating costs, how meters or submeters must be documented and what proof is required for reimbursements. This article explains rights and obligations in plain language, shows practical steps for documenting charging sessions and gives tips on how to check a correct bill or find the next judicial instance in case of dispute. The information is aimed at tenants without legal knowledge and refers to applicable law in Germany.[1]
What counts as EV charging electricity?
EV charging electricity can be considered operating costs if the rental agreement or a separate agreement specifies that electricity for shared charging points may be allocated as billable costs[2]. Private sockets in your apartment are generally not automatically operating costs. The key is whether the landlord systematically bills costs and whether a separate meter or submeter is present.
Which documents help for reimbursement?
To claim reimbursement or to check a bill, collect the following evidence where possible:
- Photos of meter readings and submeters (evidence)
- Receipts or payment records for charged electricity amounts (payment)
- Written agreements or contract addenda that regulate charging costs (form)
- Written communication with the landlord about billing or reimbursement (contact)
How can tenants check the bill?
Compare the stated kWh values with your own meter readings and watch for hidden flat rates. Request a detailed bill if only totals are shown. Special allocation rules may apply for shared meters[3].
Rights if reimbursement or flat rate is incorrect
As a tenant you are entitled to transparent billing and can reject or reclaim unjustified charges. Rights and obligations arise from tenancy law and supplementary regulations; if in doubt, a written defect notice is recommended.
What to do in case of dispute?
First try to reach a written agreement with the landlord and set deadlines for correction. If that fails, the local court (Amtsgericht) handles tenancy disputes as the first instance; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice for fundamental legal questions[4]. Document all steps and keep evidence safe.
FAQ
- Who pays the EV charging electricity: tenant or landlord?
- It depends on the contractual arrangement; without an agreement, the user usually bears the electricity consumption.
- Can the landlord demand a flat rate?
- Yes, if this was contractually agreed; however, the flat rate must be reasonable and explainable.
- What to do with an unclear bill?
- Request a detailed breakdown and lodge a written objection; document meter readings.
How-To
- Document meter readings and charging sessions immediately with date and photo (evidence).
- Request a detailed bill from the landlord in writing (form).
- Compare billed costs with common electricity market prices (payment).
- Contact local tenant advice or counseling if uncertainties remain (contact).
- Prepare documents for a possible claim at the local court (court).
Key Takeaways
- Clear documentation is the most important basis for reimbursement claims.
- Contractual rules in the lease often determine allocation of costs.
- For disputes, the local court and possibly higher courts are responsible.
