Heating Replacement 2025: Tenants Avoid Mistakes Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should carefully document a heating replacement under GEG 2025 to protect rights and avoid unexpected costs. This text explains in practical terms which documents are important, how to record defects and appointments, which deadlines to observe and when proof may be required for the landlord or court. The guide is aimed at non‑lawyers: clear steps, examples for photos and protocols as well as notes on official forms and responsibilities. The goal is that you act confidently, reduce financial risks and implement evidence preservation correctly, without legal jargon. The text also contains templates for protocols, advice on communication with the landlord and steps for submitting documents to authorities or courts.

What tenants should consider during a heating replacement

A heating replacement can change living comfort, operating costs and your utility billing. As a tenant, the landlord's obligation to maintain the rental property and the rights to rent reduction are particularly relevant^[1]. Therefore note all appointments, if possible measure temperature and heating behavior before and after the replacement and keep correspondence.

Documentation checklist

• Photos of the old and new heating system with date and time.
• Datet protocols of appointments, agreements and site access.
• Written defect notification to the landlord with description and deadline.
• Copies of all e‑mails, letters and acknowledgements of receipt.
• Comparison of heating bills before and after the replacement (observe HeizKV).

Forms & authorities

Many steps can be done informally, but certain processes require verifiable documents. There is no nationwide prescribed "defect notification" as an official form; the legal basis can be found in the rules on the lease and defect remedy^[1]. For heating-related billing, the Heizkostenverordnung applies^[2].

• Defect notification (informal): Describe the defect, date, desired deadline (e.g. 14 days) and request remedy; example: "Since 10/03 the heating is not working in apartment 3; please fix by 24/03."
• Rent reduction notice (written): If heating is out for extended periods, document scope and duration and notify landlord of intended reduction.
• Lawsuit/correspondence to the local court: If amicable settlement fails, the local court (Amtsgericht) handles tenancy disputes; procedures follow ZPO rules^[3].

Practical tips for securing evidence

Send important letters by registered mail or obtain a receipt. For in-person agreements create a short dated protocol and send a confirmation to the landlord by e‑mail so the exchange is documented.

FAQ

Do I have to accept the heating replacement as a tenant?

In principle, the landlord may carry out modernization measures that serve energy savings; however, as a tenant you have rights to notification, information and possibly hardship protections. In disputes, documentation supplies evidence.

When can I claim rent reduction?

Rent reduction is possible if the usability of the apartment is impaired (e.g. no heating). Amount and start depend on scope and duration of the defect and legal bases in the BGB and relevant case law^[1][4].

Who do I contact if a dispute arises?

First try a written clarification with the landlord. If that fails, the competent local court handles tenancy disputes; lawsuits follow the rules of the ZPO^[3].

How-To

1. Notify the landlord immediately about defects and request a deadline for remedy (in writing).
2. Document continuously: photos, temperature logs, technicians' reports and appointments.
3. Send a formal defect notification with deadline and proof (e.g. registered mail) if there is no response.
4. Check the heating cost statement after completion and request corrections if consumption or allocation has changed (observe HeizKV)^[2].
5. Collect all receipts and prepare copies; if necessary prepare for court at the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Secure dated photos and records immediately.
• Always send a written defect notification with a clear deadline.
• Review the utility billing after the exchange and raise discrepancies.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (Federal) - Legal texts
• Justice portal - Information on courts and procedures
• Federal Court of Justice - Case law on tenancy

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff.
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Tenancy case law