Tenant Checklist Insulation & Costs in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face decisions when landlords plan facade or roof insulation. Before you sign a contract or an addendum, you should know your rights, document costs carefully and check whether modernization costs can be passed on. This guide explains in plain language which laws apply, which documents help (photos, invoices, site logs) and which deadlines to watch. You will also find practical steps for objections, template notes about forms and information on when the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible. The goal is that you, as a tenant, can decide informed, keep your records safe and present evidence for rent reduction or legal questions if necessary. We explain step by step how to collect cost records, which forms are important and how deadlines for objections run. At the end you will find FAQ, a short documentation guide and links to official agencies.

What tenants should know before signing

Landlords must announce modernizations and explain the measure; not every insulation automatically leads to passing costs to tenants. Check the announcement carefully: scope, start, duration, cost breakdown and whether subsidies are mentioned. Check whether the landlord invokes modernization costs under §§ 535 ff. BGB^[1]. Request invoices if missing and note any stated funding.

• Photos before and after the measure (evidence)
• Invoices, offers and payment receipts (payment)
• Correspondence with the landlord, announcements and logs (notice)
• Site logs, dates and deadlines (deadline)

Cost allocation, subsidies and billing

Modernization costs can under certain conditions be passed on to tenants; whether and how much depends on the measure and legal rules. Check whether subsidies or grants reduce the amount passed on. Read the cost breakdown carefully and request proof if invoices are missing. If unclear, file a written objection within the deadline and request access to the invoices.

Forms and templates for tenants

There is no uniform federal "rent reduction" form, but important documents and templates include:

• Complaint form for an eviction or payment claim (statement of claim) – file at the competent local court; use the forms available from your local court (see justice portal)^[2]
• Written objection or notice to the landlord (template: clear written statement requesting invoices)
• Inspection protocol for heating costs (if anomalies occur, consult the Heating Costs Ordinance)^[3]

FAQ

Can the landlord pass on the costs for facade or roof insulation to me?

Under certain conditions yes, but not automatically; check the announcement, whether funded measures reduce the amount to be passed on, and request invoices.^[1]

How do I document damage or disruptions during construction?

Take timely photos, keep a date-and-time log, collect written communication and keep invoices or receipts; also note contacts and appointments.

When is the local court (Amtsgericht) responsible?

The local court is generally responsible for first-instance tenancy disputes such as rent reduction, payment disputes or eviction claims; appeals go to the regional court and possibly the Federal Court of Justice.

How-To

1. Take photos of affected areas before start, during construction and after completion (evidence).
2. Collect all invoices, offers and payment receipts and note which items are eligible for subsidies (payment).
3. Send a formal request to the landlord for cost documentation and deadlines; send it with proof of delivery (notice).
4. Record dates and disruptions with date and time so deadlines and outages are provable (deadline).
5. Prepare documents for a claim or mediation at the local court if no agreement is reached (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Justizportal of the Federal and State Courts
• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, Heating Costs Ordinance)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] §535 BGB – Landlord obligations
2. [2] Justizportal of the Federal and State Courts
3. [3] Heating Costs Ordinance