Tenant Checklist: District Heating Price Changes in Germany

Many tenants in Germany receive reconciliations or refund claims related to district heating. This checklist explains in plain language how to check bills, secure proof, observe deadlines, and formally request refunds. The goal is that you, as a tenant, know your rights and can follow practical steps — from a written request to possible court action at the local court. Read the guidance carefully, document meter readings and payments, and use the referenced legal bases and forms as the basis for your approach.

What does a price adjustment for district heating mean?

A price adjustment can be triggered by changed network or fuel costs, metering errors, or contractual adjustment clauses. For tenants it is important: not every increase is automatically valid. Check which costs appear on your utility bill and whether advance payments have been correctly offset.

Checklist: review price adjustments and request refunds

• Check the bill for items, amounts and billing periods.
• Document meter readings, photos and payment receipts as evidence.
• Observe deadlines: limitation and objection periods may apply.
• Draft a written claim specifying the exact amount and a deadline (e.g. 14 days).
• Inform the landlord by phone and document times and contact persons.
• If no agreement is reached: consider a payment order or lawsuit at the competent local court.

Legal foundations

Your claims are derived from the tenancy law in the BGB and from special regulations such as the heating costs regulation and the operating costs regulation. The BGB contains landlord duties and tenant rights, in particular regarding billing and the right to information.^[1] For heating bills, the Heating Costs Regulation and the Operating Costs Regulation are also relevant because they set rules for allocation and billing.^[2][3]

Forms and legal steps

Common instruments are the written payment request, the payment order (Mahnantrag) and, if necessary, the lawsuit at the local court. The payment order is a quick procedure to enforce outstanding amounts; it can often be applied for online or at the competent payment order court.^[4] As an alternative, file a lawsuit at your competent local court (Amtsgericht) when larger or disputed claims are at stake.

What to include in a written claim

A formal claim should include: your name and address, exact identification of the bill, the period in question, the contested amount, reasoning and a deadline for repayment. Attach copies of supporting documents and send the letter by registered mail or documented email.

FAQ

Can I demand a refund if the district heating bill contains errors?

Yes. If items are unclear, tenants can request information and a corrected bill; valid overpayments can be refunded.

How long do I have to request a refund?

Deadlines may vary: generally contractual and statutory limitation periods apply; review bills promptly and check possible limitation dates.

What does a payment order or lawsuit cost?

The payment order procedure is usually less costly; lawsuits incur court fees and possibly attorney fees depending on the amount in dispute and the course of proceedings.

How-To

1. Step 1: Check — Compare the bill, advance payments and meter readings carefully.
2. Step 2: Document — Collect receipts, photos of meter readings and proof of payment.
3. Step 3: Claim — Send a written demand with a deadline (e.g. 14 days) to the landlord.
4. Step 4: Legal steps — If the demand is ignored, consider a payment order or lawsuit at the local court.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB
• Gesetze im Internet: Heating Costs Regulation (HeizKV)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heating Costs Regulation (HeizKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Justice Portal of the Federation and the Länder - information on the payment order procedure