Tenant Rights in Germany: View Digital Receipts

As a tenant in Germany, you have the right to inspect billing records and check reimbursements for utility charges. Many landlords now send statements and receipts digitally by email or via landlord portals. This article explains in plain language how to store digital receipts securely, which deadlines apply for complaints, and when to file a formal objection or take legal action. I name the relevant statutory bases, useful wording examples, and concrete steps for everyday practice. You will also learn which courts (local court/Amtsgericht) are responsible and which official forms or templates you can use. The goal is to give you, as a tenant in Germany, clear, practical steps so you can verify refunds correctly and enforce them if necessary.

What to do with digital receipts?

Digital receipts (e.g. PDFs, scans, emails with attachments) are generally accepted as a means of inspection. First check whether the statement is complete and whether all items appear plausible. Refer to the tenancy provisions of the BGB ^[1] and to the Operating Costs Regulation for specific cost categories ^[2]. Document every email and download receipts locally.

Which documents to collect?

• Statement as PDF or scan from the landlord
• Allocations for individual cost items (e.g. heating cost statement)
• Email correspondence and delivery confirmations
• Receipts or proof of payment for advance payments

Check numbers for plausibility: Do previous year values, heat consumption and distribution keys match? If something is unclear, request specific evidence.

Deadlines and formal complaint

There are deadlines to observe for review and possible objections. Set a clear deadline for the landlord to provide missing documents or to pay a refund in writing (email is usually sufficient, registered mail is safer). When sending a formal objection, specify the items and request correction or payment by a certain date.

If no agreement is reached, you may enforce your claims in court; the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent ^[3]. Before filing a lawsuit, it is recommended to set a final deadline and state that you will take legal action if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I demand digital receipts from the landlord?

Yes. Tenants can demand inspection of receipts; digital transmission is permitted as long as the documents are complete and readable.

What deadline do I have to object?

There is no single deadline that fits all situations, but you should react within a few weeks and set a concrete deadline; if unsure, contact the landlord immediately.

What happens if the landlord refuses to provide receipts?

If inspection or proof is refused, you can assume an inaccuracy and, if necessary, file a lawsuit at the local court or request an order for disclosure.

How-To

1. Review the digital statement carefully and save all documents locally.
2. Give the landlord a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days) to provide missing receipts.
3. Draft a written objection listing specific items and the desired outcome.
4. If no agreement is possible, consider filing a lawsuit at the local court; attach all receipts as exhibits.
5. If uncertain, seek legal advice from an official source or tenant association.

Key Takeaways

• Act promptly on statements and set deadlines.
• Save all digital receipts locally and in an organized way.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de

---

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Information about courts (local court/Amtsgericht) - bmj.de