Utilities: General Electricity for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you will often face the question of how general electricity is correctly allocated and billed in the utility statement. This article explains in practical terms which rights and obligations tenants have, how to spot an incorrect statement, which receipts are important and which deadlines apply. You will receive a clear checklist for disputing general electricity as well as concrete action steps for communication, documentation and, if necessary, legal action before the local court.^[1] References to relevant legal bases and official forms help you enforce your claim securely and transparently. With practical examples I show how to check electricity amounts, allocation keys and meter readings, which proofs you should request and how to formally file an objection. This guide is tailored to German law and names relevant provisions such as the rules in the BGB and the Operating Costs Ordinance.^[2]

What is general electricity?

General electricity refers to electricity consumption for shared areas in the building, such as stairwell lighting, corridor lighting, outdoor lighting or possibly communal washing machines. It is often charged to tenants via the utility bill. Important: the allocation must be transparent, calculated in a traceable way and supported by receipts.

Practical cases: When to dispute?

• The statement contains no kWh figures or meter readings, only lump sums.
• The allocation key (persons, living area, dwelling unit) is not explained or deviates without justification.
• A calculable consumption per month/year is missing or appears unjustifiably low/high.
• The statement was submitted late and deadlines for claims or objections do not appear to have been observed.
• Receipts were not presented or not made available upon request.

Checklist: Disputing general electricity

• Check the statement: note kWh figures, meter readings, billing period and allocation key.
• Request receipts: ask in writing for the energy supplier's invoice, meter readings and maintenance records from the landlord.
• Recalculate amounts: check consumption x price and compare with the stated total claim.
• Observe deadlines: file objections in writing within recommended timeframes and document delivery.
• Keep records: collect and secure correspondence, photos of meters and receipts.
• Secure the outcome: if errors are justified, demand correction or consider legal steps.

Forms and official templates

There is no single, nationwide prescribed form for objecting to a utility statement, but you can find template texts and guidance from authorities. For formal lawsuits many courts use standardized civil complaint forms; check with the competent local court or the justice portal of your federal state. For legal bases see § 535 et seq. of the BGB and the Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV). Further procedural details are in the Code of Civil Procedure.

FAQ

Can the landlord charge general electricity as a lump sum?

The landlord may use lump-sum billing, but must make the calculation comprehensible and present receipts on request.

What deadlines apply for objections to the statement?

There is no single short deadline, but you should react within a few weeks and document your objection in writing; late objections are harder to enforce.

What if the landlord refuses to provide receipts?

Request access to the receipts in writing and refer to your right to review them; if necessary, the route to the local court is possible.

How-To

1. Check the statement step by step: note billing period, meter readings and the allocation keys.
2. Request the original invoice from the energy supplier and all receipts in writing and document the dispatch.
3. Draft a written objection with date, specific errors and requested correction and send it by registered mail or email with read receipt.
4. If the landlord does not respond, consider initiating legal proceedings at the local court; procedural details are governed by the ZPO.^[3]

Key Takeaways

• Transparency and receipts are essential when checking general electricity charges.
• File written objections that are dated and documented.
• Contact the local court or legal advisory services early if uncertain.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesministerium der Justiz (BMJ) - Formulare und Informationen

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. — Landlord and tenant obligations
2. [2] Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) — Types of operating costs
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Rules for court proceedings