Tenants: Check GEG heating swaps in Germany

Modernization & Cost Allocation 2 min read · published September 07, 2025
Many tenants in social housing face the question whether a planned heating replacement under the Building Energy Act (GEG) is permissible and what costs they will actually incur. In Germany tenants have protective rights in modernization cases, such as landlord information duties and limits on cost allocation, which you should check before agreeing. This text explains in plain language which steps tenants can take, which forms and authorities are relevant and how to compile documentation to enforce claims or defend against unlawful increases.

Tenant rights for heating replacement

As a tenant you are subject to provisions of the Civil Code (BGB)[1] regarding obligations and modernizations as well as special rules of the Building Energy Act (GEG)[2] and the Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV)[3]; furthermore funding conditions from the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)[4] may impose restrictions.

Checklist for tenants

  • Request a written announcement from the landlord (notice).
  • Set deadlines and document appointments (deadline).
  • Check costs: allocation, increases or payment obligations (payment).
  • Documentation: collect photos, protocols and invoices (evidence).
  • Check WBS and funding conditions and request funding terms (form).
  • Seek advice: tenant association, social office or legal counsel (call).
Keep all announcements and receipts stored safely.

Costs and allocation in social housing

In social housing, funding contracts and the terms of support can limit or exclude the allocation of modernization costs; therefore check the funding conditions and your lease carefully. Generally it is important to distinguish whether the measure is an energy-related mandatory action under the GEG or a voluntary modernization with allocation under modernization rules.

  • Allocation permissible if modernization is allowed under tenancy law and funding conditions (payment).
  • Allocation often excluded or limited for subsidized housing (form).
  • Request invoices and proofs to verify amounts and distribution (evidence).
If contractual terms are unclear, respond in writing within deadlines.

How-To

  1. Request the written announcement and all plans from the landlord (form).
  2. Set a reasonable deadline for clarification and document responses (deadline).
  3. Collect evidence: photos, correspondence, billing and official notices (evidence).
  4. Seek advice; if allocation is unlawful prepare a complaint at the local court or legal action (court).

FAQ

Who pays for the heating replacement in social housing?
It depends on funding conditions, the lease and the purpose of the measure; in many cases support conditions limit allocation.
Can the landlord raise my rent because of the heating replacement?
An increase is only possible under statutory rules; special rules apply for calculating and announcing modernization measures.
What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) and why does it matter?
The WBS is an official certificate for allocation of subsidized housing; funding conditions can affect allocation and repair obligations.

Help and Support

  1. [1] BGB §§535–580a (gesetze-im-internet.de)
  2. [2] Building Energy Act (GEG) (gesetze-im-internet.de)
  3. [3] Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV) (gesetze-im-internet.de)
  4. [4] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) (gesetze-im-internet.de)

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Germany

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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