Tenants: Common Electricity Billing in Germany

Many tenants in German cities are unsure how to check common electricity charges on service charge statements and how to dispute them within deadlines. This guide explains in plain language tenants' rights under rental law, which documents matter and when formal steps make sense. You will learn how to compare invoices, collect evidence, observe deadlines and use official sample forms. Notes on objections, keeping deadlines and going to the local court complete the instructions. The aim is to empower tenants in Germany to identify errors in utility billing and react in time without legal jargon. Practical examples, time windows for objections and tips for photographic evidence are included.

What is "Allgemeinstrom"?

"Allgemeinstrom" means electricity for common areas such as stairwell lighting, corridors or exterior lighting. Whether and how this item may be passed on to tenants is governed by rental law and the operating costs regulation; key legal bases are in the BGB^[1].

5 steps for tenants in Germany

1. Check the statement: Compare the amounts shown with previous statements and the tenancy agreement.
2. Watch deadlines: Objections and follow-up claims often have fixed time limits; respond within the deadline.
3. Gather evidence: Copies of meters, photos of meter readings and payment receipts strengthen your case.
4. File an objection: Send a short, factual objection stating reasons and request access to supporting documents.
5. Final step court: If no agreement is reached, the local court is responsible; prepare files and evidence for a claim^[4].

Sample forms and official guidance

There is no nationwide mandatory form for objecting to a service charge statement; a written objection by registered mail is usually sufficient. For a claim at the local court, use the general claim form or the court's regional guidance^[4]. Details on allocable costs are set out in the Operating Costs Ordinance^[2] and the Heating Costs Ordinance^[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the landlord simply pass on common electricity?

Yes, if the allocation is agreed in the rental contract and the costs are permissible under the Operating Costs Ordinance; check source and calculation carefully.^[2]

What is the deadline for objecting to the statement?

There is no uniform deadline in all cases, but many time limits follow the rental contract and general civil procedure rules; act promptly and document everything.^[1]

When should I involve the local court?

If no agreement is reached after objection and mediation attempts, filing a claim at the competent local court may be necessary; prepare evidence and a clear claim.^[4]

How-to

1. Check the deadline: Note the date of the statement and any objection deadlines in the tenancy agreement.
2. Collect evidence: Photograph meter readings, copy invoices and payment records.
3. Write an objection: State the reason and the requested correction, send by registered mail and request access to documents.
4. Compare and document: List differences to prior statements and prepare questions for the landlord.
5. Court resolution: If needed, file a claim at the local court and attach all collected evidence.

Help & Support / Resources

• [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
• [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
• [3] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
3. [3] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
4. [4] Justizportal: Informationen zu Gerichten und Formularen