General Electricity and Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the question of whether and how general electricity (Allgemeinstrom) is billed in their lease and which deadlines and rights apply. This article explains in plain language what Allgemeinstrom means, which obligations landlords have under the BGB ^[1] and the BetrKV ^[2], how you should check invoices and which forms and deadlines are important. You will receive practical steps on how to document, file objections and reduce costs, often without a lawyer. We also name courts and authorities that help in disputes, as well as official sample forms you can use. The aim is to empower tenants and provide concrete actions for Germany. Read on for FAQs, step-by-step guides and links to official forms.

What is Allgemeinstrom?

Allgemeinstrom refers to electricity for shared areas of a building, for example stairway lighting, corridors or cellar lighting. Charging these costs to individual tenants must be explicitly stated in the lease or the operating cost statement. Legal foundations can be found in the Civil Code and the Operating Costs Regulation ^[1][2].

What tenants should watch for

• Check the bill precisely: Is "Allgemeinstrom" listed and are amounts transparent?
• Request receipts and ask for consumption or meter records if missing.
• Observe deadlines: Objections to the bill should be raised within a short period.
• Verify whether costs for lighting or pumps are actually allocable or must be borne by the landlord.

If points are unclear, document date, amount and reason for complaint in writing and send the objection by registered mail or by email with delivery confirmation.

How to check and object

Here is a practical approach to challenge an incorrect Allgemeinstrom bill:

• Request detailed receipts in writing (consumption breakdown, supplier invoices).
• Compare the bill with the lease and the previous operating cost statement.
• File a written objection with reasons and send it with proof of delivery.
• Seek official advice or contact the local court before withholding payments.

A factual objection helps: date, billing period, the exact point of dispute and the request for supporting documents are often sufficient. If the landlord does not respond, the local court (Amtsgericht) can be involved.

FAQ

What exactly counts as Allgemeinstrom?

Allgemeinstrom includes electricity costs for common areas such as stairwells, exterior lighting or underground parking lighting, provided they are shown in the operating cost statement.

Can the landlord allocate Allgemeinstrom without consent?

Only if allocation is explicitly regulated in the lease or operating cost agreement and the billing is transparent; otherwise an objection can be filed.

How do I challenge an incorrect bill?

Request receipts, file a written objection, document everything and seek official advice or consider the local court if necessary.

How-To

1. Document the bill completely (copies, photos of meters).
2. Request original receipts from the landlord within 14 days in writing.
3. Draft a reasoned objection and send it with proof of delivery.
4. Use official advisory services or the local court if the landlord fails to respond.
5. Assess whether costs can be reduced (e.g. energy-efficient lighting or separate meters).

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
• Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
• Bundesgerichtshof – Case law on tenancy

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
3. [3] Bundesministerium der Justiz – Forms and samples
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof – Precedents and decisions