Utility Costs Shared Electricity: Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how shared electricity (Allgemeinstrom) must be correctly shown in the service charge statement and whether refunds are possible. This guide explains in clear language what rights tenants have, which documents are useful and which deadlines apply. You will receive practical steps to check the statement, advice on forms and sample letters, and information on legal options if the landlord does not respond. The goal is to give you, as a tenant, understandable courses of action so you can avoid unnecessary payments and enforce legitimate refunds.

What is Allgemeinstrom?

Allgemeinstrom refers to electricity for communal areas such as hallway lighting, doorbells, garages or heating control. The costs are often allocated to tenants via the service charges. It is crucial that the landlord itemizes the statement transparently and only charges proportional, actually incurred costs.

Rights and obligations regarding Allgemeinstrom

As a tenant you have the right to a comprehensible service charge statement. Check whether consumption and allocation are documented transparently and request supporting documents if anything is unclear. The landlord must present the accounting documents on request.

• Request the service charge invoices and the supplier invoices to verify the amounts stated.
• Check whether the lease agreement includes the allocation of Allgemeinstrom and how it is distributed.
• Pay attention to accounting periods and objection deadlines to preserve your rights.
• For technical questions (e.g., faulty meters) request a comprehensible measurement or inspection by the landlord.

Common errors in statements

Frequently, clear allocation keys are missing, or the landlord bills a flat rate instead of consumption-based charges. Sometimes items are double-billed or not explained. If you discover discrepancies, request written explanations and corrected statements.

How to claim refunds

First, send the landlord a formal letter with a deadline for clarification or correction of the statement. Use sample texts for objections and demand a comprehensible breakdown of the costs. If the landlord does not respond or the response is insufficient, you can reclaim or withhold overpaid amounts and, if necessary, take legal action.

1. Draft a written request with a deadline to present the documents and demand a corrected statement.
2. Collect all invoices, payment receipts and photos of meters as evidence for your claim.
3. Contact the energy supplier or metering point operator if technical issues remain unresolved.
4. If necessary, consider filing a claim at the competent local court or seek legal advice.

Forms and relevant regulations

Key legal bases are the German Civil Code (BGB) which regulates tenant and landlord duties, and the Ordinance on Operating Costs (BetrKV) regarding allocable costs. Use official templates for objection letters or terminations when necessary.^[1][2][3]

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Allgemeinstrom eligible for allocation?

Allgemeinstrom is allocable if this is agreed in the rental agreement and the costs are clearly listed as operating costs.

What if the landlord refuses to provide documents?

Request the documents in writing and set a reasonable deadline; if the landlord does not provide them, you may withhold payment and consider legal options.

Which authorities are responsible in disputes?

Rental disputes are usually handled by the local Amtsgericht; higher instances are the Landgericht and the Federal Court of Justice for matters of fundamental importance.^[4]

How-To

1. Check the statement: compare items, accounting period and allocation key.
2. Request documents in writing and draft a concrete objection letter with a deadline.
3. Have technical inconsistencies inspected and record meter readings.
4. If necessary, file a claim at the competent local court or seek legal counsel.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet: German Civil Code (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet: Ordinance on Operating Costs (BetrKV)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – information and decisions

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Ordinance on Operating Costs (BetrKV) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Forms and Service – Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – court information