Tenants: Control General Electricity in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often face questions about general electricity charges in multi‑unit buildings: who pays the stairwell lighting, who covers cleaning, and how can I check whether the service charge statement is correct? This article explains in plain language which duties landlords have, which sections of the BGB are relevant and how to request documents, meet deadlines and check figures. You will get practical steps for documentation, sample wording for correspondence and guidance on when rent reduction or a case before the local court (Amtsgericht) may be appropriate. The goal is to help you as a tenant enforce your rights in Germany calmly and confidently.

How tenants check general electricity

Start systematically: first review the current service charge statement and compare individual items for the general electricity charge with the previous year. Request from the landlord the energy supplier invoices and the allocation keys.^[1]

Key check points

• Check whether the item "general electricity" is listed separately in the service charge statement and how much it amounts to.
• Request documents: the supplier's electricity bill and the property manager's or landlord's accounting sheet.
• Examine the allocation key (by persons, floor area or units) and ask for clarification if unclear.
• Pay attention to deadlines for lodging objections after receiving the statement.

Legal basis and duties

Landlords must make the statement comprehensible under the provisions of the BGB; the relevant rules on tenancy obligations and accounting are in §§ 535–580a BGB.^[2] The Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) governs specific items of service charges, including electricity for communal areas.^[3]

If the landlord does not cooperate

Set a written deadline to present the documents (e.g. 14 days) and state that you will file objections in writing or consult legal advice if the documents are not provided. Specify the accounting years and the documents you want to inspect.

Concrete steps to resolve disputes

1. Step 1: Request documents and inspect them.
2. Step 2: Formulate a written objection and set a deadline.
3. Step 3: Seek advice from an official body if the landlord does not provide the documents.
4. Step 4: Consider court action at the competent local court (Amtsgericht) if necessary.

FAQ

Who must pay the costs for general electricity?

The person named in the tenancy agreement must pay, typically the landlord passes the costs on to tenants via the service charge statement.

Can I request to see the electricity invoice?

Yes, tenants have the right to inspect the underlying documents; request them in writing.

What if the landlord does not provide documents?

You can set a written deadline and, if necessary, have the local court determine whether the statement is correct.

How-To

1. Request the building electricity bill and accounting documents in writing.
2. Compare amounts with the previous year and check the allocation key.
3. Set a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days) for submission of missing documents.
4. Use official advisory services or legal advice if the landlord does not cooperate.
5. Consider legal action at the local court if all extrajudicial measures fail.

Key takeaways

• Documentation is essential: secure all invoices and letters.
• Observe deadlines: act promptly on statements and requests.
• Verify that allocation keys and consumption figures are transparent.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB and laws: gesetze‑im‑internet.de
• Federal Court (BGH): case law on tenancy
• Federal Ministry of Justice: forms and guidance

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet — BGB and statutes
2. [2] Bundesgerichtshof — jurisdiction and decisions
3. [3] Operating Costs Ordinance — BetrKV text
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice — forms and guidance