Tenant Checklist Energy Renovation 2025 Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should not simply accept energy renovations but actively follow them and carefully document the costs incurred. This guide explains in clear language which invoices, photos and messages you must collect, how to observe deadlines and when to file an objection. You will learn which rights the BGB provides and what conduct is sensible in court or towards the landlord. Practical examples show how to organize receipts, make formal defect notices and create an auditable cost file. The goal is to give tenants clear steps to review and document financial burdens, unclear allocations or incorrect statements in 2025 in Germany with confidence.

Why this checklist matters for tenants

Energy renovations can affect tenants financially and organizationally: repairs, modernization allocations or changed heating bills are possible. Check the modernization notice and request detailed cost breakdowns from the landlord. Legal bases can be found in the Civil Code (BGB), especially regarding duties and modernization notifications.^[1]

What to document

• All invoices, offers and cost estimates for renovation work.
• Photos and dates of the condition before, during and after the renovation.
• Correspondence with the landlord, inquiries and replies by email or letter.
• Meter readings, heating bills and billing documents.

How to document costs and deadlines

Proceed step by step: note dates, collect receipts and send formal defect notices by registered mail or verifiable email. Use precise wording and request a detailed breakdown of modernization costs from the landlord. If unclear, demand comprehensible invoices and check whether allocations are permissible under the Operating Costs Ordinance.^[3]

• Document deadlines and dates (receipt, response deadlines, deadlines for objections).
• Scan receipts and label them with date and description.
• Send defect notices in writing and prove receipt.

Forms and authorities

As a tenant you should know which official forms or template letters are useful in disputes or objections. Typical examples are a template for defect notification, an objection letter to the heating bill and, if necessary, court forms of the competent local court. Many justice portals or the federal ministry publish sample texts and guidance.

FAQ

Who pays for energy renovations?

In principle, the landlord can pass modernization costs onto the rent if the requirements of the BGB are met; check actual bills carefully.^[1]

Which documents help with an incorrect operating costs statement?

Invoices, delivery notes, meter readings and correspondence with the landlord are important evidence; consult the heating costs regulation if unclear.^[2]

When should I involve the local court?

If out-of-court resolution fails or objection deadlines have passed, you can consider filing a suit at the local court; inform yourself about the competent court and procedural rules.^[5]

Which deadlines are important?

Respond to modernization notices and bills within specified deadlines; record receipt and response dates immediately.

How-To

1. Gather all invoices, offers and payment receipts and sort them by date.
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and request detailed documents.
3. Set clear deadlines for responses and document all communication.
4. If necessary, submit evidence to the local court or seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB (Civil Code) - Gesetze im Internet
• Heating Costs Regulation - Gesetze im Internet
• Justice Portal - Information on Courts

---

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a (Civil Code)
2. [2] Heating Costs Regulation (HeizKV) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) - Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Information and Case Law
5. [5] Justice Portal - Information on Local Courts