Tenants: Billing E-Charging in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you will increasingly encounter bills for e-charging, for example in shared flats. These lines explain in plain language when you can dispute projected costs or incorrect items on the utility bill, how to enforce a refund for jointly used charging stations in shared flats, and which formalities must be observed. I list practical steps: collect evidence, request information from the landlord in writing, observe deadlines and, if necessary, contact the local court. Notes on relevant laws such as the BGB^[1] and the Betriebskostenverordnung^[2] as well as sample letters help you to formulate your claims properly. The goal is that you, as a tenant, can decide more confidently when an objection makes sense and how to protect yourself.

When you can dispute E-charging charges

You can dispute the bill if items are unclear, receipts are missing, or the allocation key is not comprehensible. Common issues are flat-rate surcharges without contractual basis or lump sums that do not reflect actual consumption. Check the annex and request copies of the underlying invoices from the landlord to see how the costs were calculated.

Typical billing errors

• Missing individual receipts for charging sessions
• Flat-rate surcharges without contractual basis
• Electricity costs already accounted for under household electricity or other billing items
• Estimates without a comprehensible calculation method

Refunds in shared flats: who pays, who gets refunded?

In shared flats, the contractual agreement decides: if individual roommates use private meters, those costs are private. If charging stations are used communally and billed via the landlord, refunds are distributed according to the agreed key or actual usage. If there is no rule, a fair division based on consumption or agreement is reasonable.

Practical steps: How tenants proceed

1. Collect evidence: invoices, charging logs, photos of meters and the bill.
2. Break down costs: calculate your share in the shared flat or your individual usage.
3. Request correction in writing from the landlord: set a deadline and demand a concrete correction or refund.
4. Observe deadlines: follow up on objections within set timeframes.
5. Consider court action: if unresolved, the local court can decide; see ZPO^[3].

FAQ

Can I dispute E-charging on the utility bill?

Yes, if costs are not comprehensible, receipts are missing or the allocation key is incorrect; refer to the BGB^[1] and the Betriebskostenverordnung^[2].

How do I fairly divide a refund in a shared flat?

Preferably by proven consumption or written agreement; without agreement aim for a realistic consumption-based distribution.

When should I contact the local court?

If the landlord does not respond or the amount is significant, clarification at the local court may be appropriate; procedural questions are governed by the ZPO^[3].

How-To

1. Gather all relevant receipts and prepare a concise overview of your claim.
2. Draft an informal letter to the landlord stating the claim clearly and setting a deadline.
3. If there is no response, seek mediation or a direct discussion.
4. If necessary, prepare documents for the local court and file a claim.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation and receipts form the basis for successful disputes.
• Written requests with deadlines improve chances of a quick refund.
• If no agreement, the local court can resolve disputes under the ZPO^[3].

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB (German Civil Code) — Gesetze im Internet
• BetrKV (Operating Costs Regulation) — Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — Official Website