Electricity Back-Bill Check for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, an electricity back-bill can arrive unexpectedly and cause significant costs. This short guide explains clearly how to check an electricity back-bill, which receipts and billing items you should request, and which deadlines apply. You will learn how allocation keys and billing periods affect charges, when an objection is sensible, and which local courts are competent if you need to consider legal action. The language remains practical: concrete actions, sample forms and authority guidance help you handle the situation confidently and in compliance with the law. You will learn which numbers in the bill are critical, how to draft an objection and which evidence (e.g. meter readings, photos, contracts) is useful. We also show when court action at the local court may be worthwhile and which cost risks to consider.
What is communal electricity and why check it?
Communal electricity covers shared areas such as staircase lighting, outdoor lighting, doorbells or communal washing machines. Landlords may allocate these costs but must provide transparent billing and receipts. Check whether billed items actually concern communal electricity or include private consumption.
Check: Step by step
- Check the invoice: compare total costs and your share, itemized by position.
- Control the billing period: do the dates match your tenancy?
- Understand the allocation key: is distribution by area, persons or units?
- Request receipts: ask for copies of the supplier invoices and meter proofs.
- Observe deadlines: respond within the stated payment period or set a deadline for submission of receipts.
- File an objection: submit a written, reasoned objection if items are unclear or incorrect.
Rights, deadlines and courts
As a tenant you have rights to information and inspection of the operating cost billing. The basis is the tenancy rules in the Civil Code (BGB) and specific regulations on allocation of operating costs.[1] For communal electricity, the provisions of the Operating Costs Regulation and, where applicable, the Heating Costs Ordinance apply for communal heating or hot water connections.[2] In a legal dispute, local courts (Amtsgericht) are competent in the first instance; higher appeals go to the regional court and Federal Court of Justice.[3]
Forms and templates
Use standardized letters to request receipts or to lodge an objection. Examples of useful forms and templates:
- Request for receipts: a simple written letter with a deadline (e.g. 14 days) asking for the supplier invoices.
- Objection template: brief and factual, stating which items are disputed.
- Payment order/claim: if there is no response, consider court steps and use official complaint or payment request forms from the courts.
How-To
- Request receipts: ask in writing for the original supplier invoices and allocation key.
- Check billing period: compare dates and meter readings with your move-in and move-out.
- Write an objection: prepare a dated letter with reasons and set a deadline.
- Consider legal action: if the landlord does not respond, prepare to file at the local court.
FAQ
- What can I do if the landlord does not provide receipts?
- Request the receipts in writing with a clear deadline (for example 14 days). If there is no response, document the process and consider payment order or court action at the local court.
- Do I have to pay immediately when a back-bill arrives?
- You can withhold payment or pay under protest until the receipts are reviewed; inform the landlord in writing about your actions.
- Who resolves disputes about allocation keys and distribution?
- If disputes arise, the competent local court will decide; verifiable receipts and meter readings are the most important evidence.
Help and Support
- Justice: Information on courts and procedures
- Federal Court of Justice: case law and guidance
- Gesetze im Internet: access to BGB, BetrKV and Heating Costs Ordinance
