Once a year, German tenants receive a Heizkostenabrechnung — a heating cost statement that settles the difference between what you paid in advance (Vorauszahlungen) and what you actually consumed. It can result in a refund or an additional payment. Here is how to read it.
The Basic Structure
The statement has two main sections:
- Gesamtkosten (total costs): the building's total heating and hot water costs for the calendar year
- Ihr Anteil (your share): calculated based on your individual consumption and the square footage of your apartment relative to the building
German law (Heizkostenverordnung) requires that 50–70% of heating costs be split by actual consumption (measured via radiator heat counters or hot water meters) and 30–50% be split by floor space. Your landlord chooses the exact split within this range.
Why You Might Owe More Than Expected
Energy prices rose significantly in 2022–2023 across Germany. If your Vorauszahlungen were set before the price increase, your statement will show a gap. The statement shows last year's total consumption cost — compare your kWh usage to the cost per kWh to check whether the price or the consumption is driving the difference.
What to Check
Verify that the square footage listed for your apartment is correct. An error here affects your share of the fixed-cost portion. Check whether the billing period matches your tenancy duration — if you moved in mid-year, your share should be prorated. Ask for the underlying invoices (Originalrechnungen) if you want to verify the total building costs; landlords are legally required to provide them.
The Deadline for Disputes
You have 12 months from receiving the Heizkostenabrechnung to contest any errors. After that deadline, your right to dispute lapses. If something looks wrong — incorrect square footage, a billing period that does not match, costs allocated to apartments other than yours — write to your landlord in writing (by email with read-receipt, or certified letter) before the 12-month window closes.
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