Reduce CO2 Costs for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany have faced higher service charges since the introduction of CO₂ pricing. As a tenant, you should know which CO₂ costs the landlord may pass on, how these appear in the operating cost statement, and which rights apply under tenancy law. This text explains clearly which legal bases are relevant, which proofs you can request, and which template letters you can use to request a reduction or correction. The tips help tenants check individual consumption, spot errors in statements, and respond within deadlines. The aim is that as a tenant you can better assess your service charges and, if necessary, take formal action. The text also includes notes on receipts, possible rent reduction claims, and authorities you can contact.

What does CO₂ cost allocation mean?

CO₂ costs are charges related to energy deliveries and fuels that landlords often bill proportionally via service charges. Whether and how these costs may be passed on is determined by tenancy law and the regulations on operating and heating costs. Clear bases can be found in the Civil Code and in the Heating Cost Ordinance as well as the Operating Costs Ordinance^[1][2][3].

Which costs can landlords pass on?

• Collect receipts and meter readings: Keep invoices and consumption records.
• Heating cost shares: CO₂ levies on fuels often appear in the heating cost statement.
• Billing deadlines: Check whether the statement was issued within the statutory deadline.
• Use template letters: Request a corrected statement from the landlord by letter or email if unclear.

Not every environmental levy is automatically allocable: it depends on whether the costs are considered allocable under the Operating Costs Ordinance or contractually agreed otherwise. If costs are not clearly stated, request a breakdown and verification from the landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to pay the CO₂ costs?

In principle, the landlord can pass on CO₂ costs proportionally via service charges if this is permitted by ordinance and contract and the costs are transparently disclosed.^[1]

Can I contest a statement?

Yes. Tenants can review the statement, request receipts, and file objections or demand corrections within statutory deadlines.

Which authority or court is responsible?

For disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; higher instances are the regional courts and the Federal Court of Justice for precedent.

How-To

1. Gather documents: Request the full operating cost statement and all associated invoices.
2. Use a template letter: Draft a letter to the landlord asking for a detailed breakdown and correction.
3. Check consumption: Compare readings with previous years and look for unusual increases.
4. Contact authorities: Seek legal advice or assistance from the relevant consumer or judicial authority if unclear.

Key Takeaways

• CO₂ costs can be part of service charges and must be clearly shown.
• Request receipts and use a template letter before considering legal steps.
• Observe billing deadlines to preserve potential claims.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: Civil Code (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet: Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV)
• Gesetze im Internet: Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Civil Code (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet: Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV)