Tenant Guide: Document PV Costs in Germany

Many tenants in Germany consider how a photovoltaic (PV) system in an older building affects costs and how tenant electricity can be contractually arranged. This guide explains step by step how, as a tenant, you can document costs, invoices and conversations with the landlord, which receipts are important for subsidies or accounting, and which rights apply when using tenant electricity. I describe practical templates, deadlines and the authorities you can contact so technical changes do not lead to unintended rental costs or conflicts. The goal is to give you clear actions so negotiations remain factual and your rights in Germany are protected.

What tenants should document

If you discuss tenant electricity or a new PV system in an older building, collect all receipts early. Good documentation protects you in later settlements and court disputes under the BGB.^[1]

• Invoices and technical data of the PV system (installer, date, serial numbers).
• Meter readings for generation and consumption, ideally photos with date.
• Proofs of payment, transfer receipts and cash receipts.
• Written agreements or emails with the landlord about tenant electricity and cost sharing.

Forms and when they are useful

There is no unified "tenant PV form collection", but for disputes some official procedures are relevant: the payment order for unpaid bills, the lawsuit at the local court for eviction or claims, and objections to operating cost statements. Name the form when contacting the judiciary, e.g. "application for issuance of a payment order" or the complaint at the competent local court. These procedures are governed by the ZPO.^[3]

How to negotiate tenant electricity in older buildings

Negotiate in writing with the landlord: describe the technical benefits, provide cost estimates and potential savings and propose transparent billing (net/gross model, flat rate or consumption share). Refer to provisions on operating and heating costs when parts of the billing are affected.^[2]

Practice: securing evidence and accounting

• Photograph meter readings with date and store photos in a folder.
• Keep a simple table of payments, reimbursements and estimated savings.
• Document phone calls briefly by email to the landlord as confirmation.
• Keep all letters and forms in paper and digital form.

Which courts and laws apply

Tenant disputes are usually heard at the local court; appeals go to the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice decides on precedent.^[4] Key legal bases are the provisions of the BGB on rental obligations and rent (§§ 535–580a) and the ZPO for court procedures.^[1][3]

FAQ

Can my landlord fully pass on the costs of a PV system to the rent?

A full pass-on is not automatic; allocations for operating costs are subject to the Operating Costs Ordinance and contractual agreements, check the specific statement.^[2]

Do I as a tenant have to agree to the installation of a PV system?

Technical changes to the building usually require the landlord's consent; interventions affecting your usability or privacy should be agreed in writing.

What to do with an unclear tenant electricity bill?

Request a detailed statement, document meter readings and deadlines, and if necessary take legal steps via the local court.^[3]

How-To

1. Check contractual clauses on energy supply and note deadlines.
2. Collect invoices, photos of meter readings and written agreements.
3. Contact the landlord in writing and request transparent billing.
4. Calculate from the documents whether cost sharing is justified.
5. If necessary, file an objection or go to the local court.^[3]

Help & Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) information

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1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Official site