Tenants: Check & Optimize District Heating in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you are often directly affected by district heating and its costs. This overview explains in plain language what to check regarding district heating supply, heating cost statements and operating cost billing. You will learn which consumption data can be checked, when you can demand access, and which rights arise from the BGB and the Heating Costs Ordinance. Practical tips help with documenting meters, requesting receipts and setting deadlines with the landlord. At the end you will find concrete steps, a sample procedure for written requests and guidance on when a court or local conciliation office has jurisdiction. Many notes are based on official laws and sample forms.

What should tenants check for district heating?

Systematically check which costs in your utility bill relate to district heating and whether the billing complies with the Heating Costs Ordinance. Note meter readings, take photos and request receipts. Consent obligations for equipment maintenance or access to the apartment are regulated in the rental agreement and in the BGB.

• Check consumption values: Compare consumption-based items with your reading data.
• Request receipts: Ask the landlord in writing for heating bills, contracts with the heat supplier and maintenance invoices.
• Technical condition: Check notes on meters, thermostatic valves and measuring devices for plausibility.
• Cost allocation: Check whether cost types are correctly shown according to the rental agreement and the Operating Costs Regulation.

Rights, deadlines and legal basis

Your main rights arise from the German Civil Code (BGB) and the Heating Costs Ordinance. The BGB regulates landlord and tenant duties, in particular maintenance and defect remediation, as well as claims in case of incorrect bills.^[1] The Heating Costs Ordinance specifies how heating costs must be recorded and billed and what information landlords must provide.^[2] In disputes about billing or access to documents, the local court (Amtsgericht) can be competent; the Federal Court of Justice decides on fundamental legal questions.^[3]

Practical steps: receipts, deadlines, communication

Document every step: requests, responses, meter readings and appointments. Set clear deadlines for handing over receipts and, if necessary, announce a rent reduction if there is a significant heating defect.

Sample letters and forms

Use a short, factual letter to request access to billing documents and to ask for corrections. Name specific deadlines (e.g. 14 days) and attach copies of your meter photos. In case of imminent eviction or court proceedings, include a legal consultation letter or contact the local tenant advisory service.

FAQ

Who checks compliance with the Heating Costs Ordinance?

As a tenant you can demand access to the billing documents; local courts and consumer protection agencies handle formal questions.

Can I reduce the rent if district heating does not work properly?

If heating performance is impaired and there is a significant defect, a rent reduction may be possible; file a written defect notice with the landlord.

What deadlines apply for objections to the bill?

Check the bill immediately on receipt and set a deadline of usually 14 to 30 days for a response and the submission of documents.

How-To

1. Request receipts in writing: Send the landlord a formal request to inspect the heating bill, contracts and maintenance invoices.
2. Document meter readings: Photograph meters and create a short reading record with the date.
3. Set a deadline: Request documents within 14 days and specify a clear deadline for corrections.
4. Seek help: Contact the local tenant advice service or the Amtsgericht for uncertainties or no response.
5. Consider legal steps: If necessary, file a case at the local court; collect all documents as evidence.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet (official legal texts)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• Federal Ministry of Justice

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de