Tenants: Check Heating Costs and Back Payments in Germany

Many tenants in Germany occasionally receive a large heating cost back payment and wonder how to check the statement correctly. This guide explains in plain language which items are usual in a heating cost statement, which supporting documents you should request and how to lodge a timely and properly reasoned objection. We show practical steps for plausibility checks, which legal bases under the BGB and the Heating Costs Ordinance are relevant, and when it makes sense to seek a professional review or legal assistance. At the end you will find sample letters and information on which court is competent if a dispute needs to be decided in court.

What tenants can do

If you receive a large heating cost back payment, first check formal details such as the billing period, the distribution keys used and the listed items. Request missing documents and compare consumption values with previous years or similar apartments. Legal foundations include the BGB and the Heating Costs Ordinance^[1][2], and in case of judicial clarification the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance^[3].

• Check the billing period.
• Request invoices and reading records.
• Compare payments and advance payments.
• Check heating technology and distribution for obvious errors.
• Note formal errors and calculation mistakes.

Practical checking steps

Proceed systematically: collect bank statements, meter readings, previous statements and written communication with the landlord. Document deadlines and request missing documents by email or registered mail.

If the landlord does not respond or the statement remains implausible, send a reasoned objection by letter and keep a copy. Describe specifically which items are missing or unclear and ask for corrections.

FAQ

How do I check whether the heating cost statement is correct?

Compare the billing period, distribution key and actual consumption values; request access to invoices and reading records.

What deadlines apply for objections to back payments?

Check and respond promptly; note deadlines on the statement and document your objection in writing.

When should I seek legal help or involve a court?

If the landlord does not cooperate or billed items cannot be clarified, proceedings at the local court may be necessary.

How-To

1. Collect all receipts and bank statements.
2. Check the billing period and note deadlines.
3. Write a reasoned objection and send it by registered mail.
4. Contact the local court or legal advice if necessary.
5. If needed, file a lawsuit at the competent local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Laws on gesetze-im-internet.de (official laws and ordinances)
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV)
• Information on local courts (Amtsgericht)

1. [1] BGB (German Civil Code) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Local court (Amtsgericht) information — justiz.de