Check Heating Costs: Guide for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany receive a surprising heating cost back payment after the annual statement. This often feels unfair or unclear, but in many cases it can be checked: meter reading errors, missing receipts or incorrect allocation keys occur regularly. This article explains step by step how you as a tenant can logically check your heating cost statement, which documents you should request, which deadlines apply and when an objection is sensible. We show practical checks, strategies for talking to the property manager and when a visit to the local court or tenant advice may be necessary. At the end you will find references to official forms, relevant laws such as the BGB and the Heating Cost Ordinance as well as links to local courts and energy certificate obligations.

What to check

Start systematically: check the billed consumption values, allocation keys and the associated receipts. Questions to ask: Do the meter readings match your reading records? Were advance payments correctly credited? Was the correct allocation key used? For legal questions, the German Civil Code (BGB) on tenancy duties is decisive.^[1]

Which documents to request

• Check deadlines (deadline): find out the date of the statement and the objection deadline.
• Collect all receipts (receipt): request invoices, meter reading records and radiator distributor printouts.
• Check payments (payment): verify advance payments, credits and back payments for consistency.
• Check allocation keys: how costs were distributed to the apartments and whether this matches the lease agreement.

The Heating Cost Ordinance is decisive for detailed breakdowns; it regulates which costs may be allocated and which consumption recording is required.^[2]

Typical errors and how to find them

Errors often occur when converting consumption to euros, due to rounding errors, duplicate items or missing credits. Recalculate individual items as a sample and compare totals with the sums of the line items. Request a written explanation from the property manager if anything is unclear.

Practical steps in case of discrepancies

1. Document: assemble copies of all statements, meter readings and payment receipts.
2. Complain in writing: draft an objection or inquiry to the property manager with a deadline (notice).
3. Seek contact: arrange a meeting and request written clarifications from the property manager (contact).
4. Legal steps: if no clarification occurs, consider a lawsuit at the competent local court (court).

If the landlord does not respond to enquiries or the answers are incomplete, you can file an objection in due time and possibly prepare a lawsuit. Civil procedure governs the formal steps for filing a lawsuit and enforcing claims in court.^[3]

FAQ

What can I do if the heating cost statement seems too high?

Check receipts and meter readings, request invoices and file a written objection; keep deadlines in mind.

Is there a statutory deadline for objections to the statement?

There is no uniform statutory objection period in the BGB, but typically objections should be made within two to three months after receipt and submitted in writing promptly.

When is it worth going to the local court?

If, after written complaint and setting a deadline, no clarification occurs or the landlord refuses necessary documents, a lawsuit at the local court may be appropriate.

How-To

1. Collect: assemble copies of all relevant documents and your own meter reading records.
2. Set deadlines: give the landlord a clear deadline to answer your questions (deadline).
3. File an objection: send a brief formal objection with specific points (form).
4. Get advice: contact a tenant advice center or the local court (help).
5. Final step: if necessary, file a lawsuit at the local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] German Civil Code (BGB) § 535 – Gesetze im Internet
• [2] Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV) – Gesetze im Internet
• [3] Competent local court and justice portal

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1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) § 535 – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Competent local court and justice portal