Reduce Common Electricity: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, rising common electricity costs can significantly increase service charges. This article clearly explains how to check your share of common electricity, identify consumption points and take concrete steps to reduce costs. We cover your rights under the BGB^[1], which receipts and meter readings are required, how to negotiate with the landlord about cable connections, building electricity or shared appliances, and when a formal demand or rent reduction makes sense. We also show which official forms and courts are responsible and how to collect evidence. At the end you will find practical templates and contact points in Germany so you can act with more confidence in negotiations and legal steps.

How to check common electricity

Common electricity means electricity for shared areas or devices, such as corridor lighting, doorbells, elevators or a shared washing machine. In the service charge statement, the landlord must show how these costs are allocated. Relevant rules can be found in the Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)^[2] and in the Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)^[3] for heating cost allocations.

• Check invoices and receipts: Compare individual items on the service charge statement with the supplier's invoices.
• Check meter readings and allocation: Request detailed meter statements and verify that building connections are correctly assigned.
• Identify consumption points: Note which areas consume electricity (stairwell, elevator, laundry room) and whether devices are billed flat-rate or by consumption.
• Collect evidence: Take photos of meters, save readings and request copies of invoices from the supplier.

Talk to the landlord and relevant forms

Communicate in writing and request a breakdown of common electricity by email or letter. Useful official templates include sample letters for rent reduction or a formal request to the landlord. For termination or court steps, formal requirements under the Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) apply and the local court (Amtsgericht) is the competent instance^[4].

• Rent reduction letter (sample): Describe the defect and period, state concrete claims and attach evidence.
• Termination letter (sample): Use only for justified contract termination; state deadlines and reasons clearly.
• Eviction claim / filing at the local court: If a payment claim is necessary, prepare documents and observe ZPO formal requirements.

FAQ

Who pays common electricity if the lease is silent?

If the lease contains no provision, the landlord must present the costs transparently; otherwise tenants can demand inspection of invoices and the allocation key.

Can I reduce rent due to an incorrect bill?

For significant billing errors or missing operating cost statements, a rent reduction may be possible after you have requested correction from the landlord in writing.

Where do I go in case of dispute?

In disputes, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance; legal advice from consumer centres or lawyers can help.

How-To

1. Request documents: Ask the landlord for original invoices and the allocation key.
2. Inspect consumption points: Inspect together with the landlord or document meter readings yourself.
3. Request in writing: Send a formal letter with a deadline for presenting the documents.
4. Consider legal steps: If the landlord does not respond, prepare documents for filing at the local court.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB, BetrKV, HeizKV and other regulations
• Federal Court of Justice: decisions on tenancy law
• Justice portal: information on local courts and procedures

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) – Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Local court / Justice portal – Competent courts