Tenant Rights PV & Mieterstrom Germany 2025
Many tenants in Germany face questions in 2025 when property owners plan solar systems (PV) or tenant electricity projects. This text explains in plain language which rights tenants have, which costs may be allocated, and how you as a tenant can properly document evidence for investments, operating costs and allocations. The advice helps in discussions with the landlord, when checking invoices and when preparing for possible court steps before the local court. Concrete action steps show which documents are useful, how deadlines should be observed and when you need official forms. This way you keep your evidence and rights as a tenant in view.
PV system and tenant electricity: briefly explained
A PV system on the roof produces electricity that can be distributed directly within the building (tenant electricity). Tenants often ask: Do I have to pay for installation or operation, and how is it billed? In principle: Costs for modernization or operation can be allocated to rent or service charges under certain conditions; tenancy law in the BGB governs this[1]. If unclear, send a written request and document all receipts.
Who pays which costs?
Typically distinguished are:
- Direct investment costs (installation) may only be claimed as a modernization allocation in specific cases.
- Operating costs for the system can be part of service charges if contractually or legally provided.
- Tenant electricity contracts must transparently explain prices and how meter reading is performed.
Documenting costs: practical checklist
Documentation protects your rights. Collect clear evidence and create traceable lists so you can argue convincingly in court or with the landlord.
- Photos of meter readings, meter panels and installation sites (evidence).
- Copies of all invoices and bills, including date and amount (rent).
- Datet stamped emails and letters with time indications for inquiries or objections (deadline).
- Contract text or annexes to the lease that regulate tenant electricity or allocations (notice).
- Contact list with responsible persons at the landlord, installer and metering service (assistance).
What to do with questionable allocations?
Check the calculation critically: Is it modernization? Was the allocation calculated correctly? You can request a detailed statement and supporting documents from the landlord and, if necessary, consider a rent reduction or legal help. The rules of the Code of Civil Procedure may be relevant for court steps[2].
Forms and official steps
Some steps require official forms or lawsuits at the local court. Relevant forms include civil lawsuit filings and delivery documents; use the forms of the judicial authorities and the Federal Ministry of Justice for official submissions. A practical example: You request a complete service charge statement by registered mail and keep copies of submitted letters as evidence; if the landlord does not respond, you can file a prepared lawsuit at the competent local court with your evidence.
FAQ
- Can the landlord pass on the costs of a new PV system completely to tenants?
- No. A complete pass-on is only possible in narrowly defined legal cases; often it is a modernization measure with specific allocation rates under the BGB.[1]
- How can I check whether my service charge billing correctly includes tenant electricity costs?
- Request the detailed billing and related documents, check meter readings and comparative values, and note discrepancies in writing.
- Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?
- Contact the landlord in writing first, then the municipal conciliation board or the local court; if necessary, courts examine claims under the Code of Civil Procedure.
How-To
- Take photos of meter readings and installation locations to secure evidence (evidence).
- Collect invoices and bills chronologically in a folder (rent).
- Send a formal request to the landlord with proof of delivery (notice).
- Record deadlines and timeframes so you can prove them in court if needed (deadline).
- Prepare documents for the local court if necessary and present your evidence in an organized way (court).
