Check Caretaker Fees for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should carefully check caretaker fees in the utility bill because positions are often incorrect or unclear. This text explains in plain language which tasks typically fall under caretaker costs, which receipts you should request and how to proceed with doubts or errors. You will receive a practical checklist for comparison, notes on deadlines and procedures and concrete steps if you suspect an incorrect bill. At the end you will find frequently asked questions, a step-by-step guide and official contact points such as legal sources and courts for tenancy matters in Germany.

What are caretaker fees?

Caretaker fees include regularly incurred services for supervision, cleaning and minor maintenance of communal areas. Such costs can be allocable as operating costs if they are named in the lease and billed according to the Operating Costs Ordinance.^[2] The general rights and obligations from tenancy law under the Civil Code also apply.^[1]

Which services count?

• Inspections and minor repairs in communal areas
• Cleaning of stairwells, corridors and outdoor areas
• Winter services and garden maintenance
• Services that are clearly documented and time-assignable

Checklist for checking

• Check billing period and allocation key
• Request copies of individual receipts for caretaker services
• Search for lump-sum or vague items
• Compare with previous years' statements
• Observe deadlines for objections and review requests

Finding errors and responding

If items are unclear or disproportionately high, request receipts and explain in writing which items you dispute. Act within deadlines: objections to the utility bill should be made promptly as time limits can hinder enforcement.

When is a reduction or lawsuit reasonable?

A rent reduction due to missing caretaker services can be justified if the use of the flat or shared areas is significantly impaired. For disputes about bills, the local court (Amtsgericht) is often responsible; appeals go to the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice.^[3][4]

FAQ

Who pays the caretaker fees?

If agreed in the lease and allocable under the Operating Costs Ordinance, the landlord allocates the costs to the tenants.

Which receipts can I inspect?

You have the right to inspect the underlying receipts or request copies, especially when individual items are unclear.

Where to go for disputes about the bill?

First attempt an amicable written clarification; if unsuccessful, the local court is the correct venue for tenancy disputes.^[3]

How-To

1. Compare the current bill with the previous year's statement.
2. Request copies of receipts for all caretaker items in writing.
3. Mark unclear or repeatedly high amounts and note reasons for your doubts.
4. Send the landlord a reasoned letter with a deadline for response.
5. If unresolved, consider legal action or advice from the local court or an official body.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet – Civil Code (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet – Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Information on courts and jurisdictions – BMJ
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de