Billing EV Charging for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how EV charging can be billed correctly and which costs a landlord may lawfully pass on. This text clearly explains which rules in tenancy law apply, when a reimbursement is possible and which proofs tenants should collect. You will learn how a meter, a vehicle-specific billing system or flat rates are legally assessed, which sections of the BGB and the Operating Costs Regulation are relevant and how to react in case of uncertainties. The goal is to give you clear steps so you can check bills, verify claims and, if necessary, formally object or seek clarification before the local court.

What tenants need to know

In principle, the BGB regulates the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords; relevant rules can be found in §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] In addition, the Operating Costs Regulation is decisive for the allocation of operating costs.^[2] For EV charging, the question often arises whether it is allocable operating costs, separate consumption tariffs or individual billing between tenant and landlord. Documentation and evidence are often decisive.

Practice: evidence, payment and objection

Practical steps help to avoid ambiguities: check invoices carefully, document meter readings and communicate in writing with the landlord. These proofs facilitate later steps such as objection or clarification before court.

• Collect evidence: invoices, photos of meter readings and correspondence with the landlord.
• Payment check: do the stated kWh match your entries and the chosen tariff?
• File a formal objection: in writing, with date, reasoning and request for a corrected bill.
• Observe deadlines: respond promptly to additional claims or landlord notices.

How is billing done?

EV charging can be billed in different ways: via a separate meter at the parking space, vehicle-specific billing systems or flat rates. It is decisive whether the costs qualify as part of operating costs under the BetrKV or as separate consumption costs.

In disputes, the local court often decides; in more complex legal questions, precedent decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) can be relevant.^[3]

FAQ

Can the landlord bill EV charging via operating costs?

It depends on the specific agreement and the billing method; if EV charging is agreed as allocable operating costs or a separate consumption meter is used, billing may be possible.^[2]

What evidence can I request?

You can request access to billing documents, meter readings, tariff proofs and individual invoices to verify the amount of costs.

When is it sensible to sue at the local court?

If an amicable objection fails and amounts are disputed, a claim or eviction action at the competent local court may be considered; inform yourself beforehand about procedures and evidence.^[3]

How-To

1. Check: compare the bill with your own meter readings and the applied tariff.
2. Document: collect invoices, photos and correspondence as evidence.
3. Object: send a written objection to the landlord with concrete requests.
4. Legal route: consider involving the local court or seeking legal advice if no clarification is reached.

Help and Support

• [1] BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet (BMJ)
• [2] Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Decisions and Information

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet (BMJ)
2. [2] Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice — Decisions and Information