Tenants: Check Heating Bill in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, the heating bill is a common point of dispute. Many statements contain formal errors, incorrect consumption values or unclear allocation keys that can lead to excessive demands. This guide explains in plain language how to systematically check your bill, which documents to collect, which deadlines to observe and how to draft a legally sound template letter to file an objection. It is aimed especially at families who want to avoid high additional charges. You do not need legal training: step by step you will learn what matters, which sections of the BGB are relevant ^[1] and when going to the local court may be sensible ^[3]. In addition you will find templates and a checklist you can use directly.

Heating bill: Check step by step

Start with the formal information: billing period, sender name, consumption units and the allocation keys used. Do meter readings and meter numbers match your records? Also check whether advance payments were correctly offset and whether heat supply contracts are listed separately.

• Receipts and readings: Compare meter readings, reading lists and owner information with your photos or reading logs.
• Check the allocation key: Understand whether allocation was made by area, number of people or consumption and whether this was contractually agreed.
• Cost components: Separate consumption costs, basic costs and operating costs to detect double billing.
• Observe deadlines: Objections to the bill should be made promptly; also check limitation periods.
• Prepare an objection: Gather documents and use a template letter to lodge a formal objection.

If you find substantive errors, document them with concrete figures and page references. Photograph meter readings and scan invoices; careful documentation increases your chances of resolution.

Formal requirements and relevant legal bases

The obligation to account and the landlord's duties arise from tenancy law in the BGB ^[1] and more specific rules for allocating heating costs from the Heating Costs Ordinance ^[2]. Make sure allocation keys and billing period are clearly stated and that no flat additional charges are calculated without proof.

What to do in case of formal errors?

If mandatory information is missing (e.g. reading dates, applied allocation key or invoice copies), request the missing documents in writing and set a reasonable deadline. Use a clear dated template letter and document the sending date and delivery.

Template letter: Contents

• Salutation and contract details: name, address, billing period and lease start date.
• Specific error description: page and position reference of contested items.
• Set a deadline: state a date by which documents should be submitted.
• Announce legal consequences: threat of court action at the local court if no clarification occurs ^[3].

FAQ

How long do I have to check the bill?

Check the statement promptly upon receipt; deadlines for objections or claims may vary, so inform yourself early.

Which documents should I collect?

Photographs of meter readings, bank statements of payments, old statements and the lease agreement are important.

What if the landlord does not provide documents?

You can request the documents in writing and, if necessary, have the matter decided by the local court.

Are there official template letters?

Yes, there are templates and wording aids you can adapt to your situation; use the checklist in this article.

How-To

1. Collect documents: Gather all relevant documents: statement, lease, old statements, photos of meter readings.
2. Compare meter readings: Compare meter numbers and reading values with your own records.
3. Check costs: Review the cost breakdown: separate consumption, basic costs and operating costs.
4. Write objection: Draft a template letter with a deadline and request missing documents.
5. If escalation occurs, file a claim at the competent local court and present your documentation.

Key takeaways

• Systematic checks reduce the risk of large additional charges.
• Photograph and archive meter readings and receipts.
• Timely written objections with template letters are effective.

Help & Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice (courts and procedures) — bmj.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Local court (competence and procedure) — bmj.de