Tenants: Documents & Deadlines for Electricity Germany

Tenants in Germany often need to check receipts and deadlines when dealing with general electricity charges. This easy-to-understand guide explains which documents you should collect, which deadlines apply and how to check or reduce a refund claim. We name the most important legal bases, practical steps and concrete tips for communication with your landlord so you can secure your claims in time. The advice is written for tenants without legal expertise and refers to typical situations in utility and service-charge accounting when general electricity is billed as a flat rate or itemized charge.

What to check

First check the legal basis: tenancy rights under the BGB and rules on accounting in the Betriebskostenverordnung and the Heizkostenverordnung may be relevant for general electricity.^[1][2][3] It is important to know whether general electricity is charged as part of operating costs or agreed separately, and what accounting periods your rental contract specifies.

Important documents

• Rental contract (form) – shows agreements on operating costs, flat rates and accounting period.
• Operating cost statement / annual bill (document) – details of items and shares for general electricity.
• Supplier invoices or bills (refund) – basis for refund claims or additional charges.
• Meter readings or reading records (evidence) – if consumption is distributed among units.
• Correspondence with the landlord (form) – copies of emails, letters and reminders including dates.

Deadlines and timing

• Review period after receiving the statement (deadline) – check the statement immediately and act within a short time.
• Objection deadline to the landlord (deadline) – raise your objection in writing and within the deadline.
• Limitation for claims (deadline) – statutory limitation periods may apply for additional charges or refunds.

If you find errors or unclear items, request the original receipts or an explanation from the landlord within the stated deadlines. Submit objections in writing and document all responses.

Practical steps for tenants

Checklist for action

• Collect all relevant receipts and the rental contract (document).
• Record the date the statement arrived (deadline).
• Send a written objection to the landlord with specific questions (form).
• Check for technical errors or implausible consumption values and request corrections (repair).
• If no agreement is reached, consider taking the matter to the local court or mediation (court).

Frequently Asked Questions

What deadline do I have to review an operating cost statement?

You should review the statement immediately after receipt and raise written objections within a short time; limitation periods may apply for additional claims.^[1]

Which documents must the landlord provide?

The landlord must provide the receipts for billed costs on request, i.e. supplier invoices and internal accounting documents.

Can I claim a refund if I was overcharged?

Yes: after reviewing the receipts you can assert a refund in writing and, if necessary, enforce it legally.

How-To

1. Gather documents: rental contract, statements and receipts (document).
2. Check deadlines and note the receipt date of the statement (deadline).
3. Submit a written objection to the landlord and request receipts (form).
4. Compare invoices with supplier receipts and document discrepancies (repair).
5. If the landlord insists, consider legal action at the local court or seek advice from tenant counselling (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch
• BetrKV – Betriebskostenverordnung
• HeizKV – Heating Costs Regulation

1. [1] BGB – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (Gesetze im Internet)
2. [2] BetrKV – Betriebskostenverordnung (Gesetze im Internet)
3. [3] HeizKV – Heizkostenverordnung (Gesetze im Internet)