How to Check Your Nebenkostenabrechnung: Find Errors & Save Money

What Is a Nebenkostenabrechnung?

The Nebenkostenabrechnung (utility bill settlement or service charge statement) is the annual breakdown of operating costs that tenants in Germany pay on top of their base rent (Kaltmiete). The landlord discloses the actual operating costs incurred during the billing period and offsets them against the tenant's monthly advance payments.

The result is either an additional payment (Nachzahlung) or a credit (Gutschrift). According to the German Tenants' Association, roughly every second utility bill contains errors. This makes it essential to check your statement carefully.

What Costs Are Included?

The Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) defines which costs can be passed on to tenants:

| Cost Type | Examples | |-----------|----------| | Heating | Gas, oil, district heating | | Hot water | Hot water preparation | | Water supply | Fresh water, meters | | Sewage | Canal fees, wastewater | | Waste collection | Bins, regular disposal | | Building cleaning | Staircase, corridors | | Garden maintenance | Lawn, hedges | | Elevator | Maintenance, electricity, inspections | | Building insurance | Fire, storm, water, liability | | Property tax | Municipal property tax |

Non-allocable costs: Administration, repairs, maintenance reserves, and vacancy costs cannot be passed on to tenants.

Distribution Keys (Umlageschluessel)

The distribution key determines how total costs are split among tenants:

Living area (Wohnflaeche): By square meters

Consumption (Verbrauch): By meter readings

Number of residents (Personenzahl): By household size

For heating and hot water, at least 50% and up to 70% must be calculated by consumption.

Common Errors to Watch For

1. Incorrect apartment size -- compare with your lease 2. Non-allocable costs included -- administration and repairs should not appear 3. Wrong distribution key -- must be applied consistently 4. Expired deadline -- the statement must arrive within 12 months 5. Missing advance payments -- check against your bank statements 6. Vacancy costs allocated -- landlord must bear these costs

Deadlines and Your Rights

Landlord's deadline: The statement must be delivered within 12 months after the billing period ends (Section 556(3) BGB)

Tenant's objection period: You have 12 months after receiving the statement to raise objections

Right to inspect documents: You may inspect all invoices and contracts underlying the statement (Section 259 BGB)

If the deadline is missed, you do not have to pay any additional charges. However, any credit owed to you remains valid.

When to Seek Help

Tenants' association (Mieterverein): Professional review and legal advice for 50-100 EUR/year membership

Lawyer: For complex disputes, consult a lawyer specialising in tenancy law

Consumer advice centre (Verbraucherzentrale): Affordable consultations

FAQ

Do I have to pay the additional charge immediately?

The additional payment is typically due 30 days after receipt. Even if you object, you should pay under reservation to avoid risking termination for non-payment.

What are average Nebenkosten?

According to the German Tenants' Association, average utility costs range from approximately 2.17 to 2.88 EUR per square meter per month.

Can the landlord increase advance payments?

Yes, after a settlement resulting in an additional payment, the landlord may adjust monthly advance payments to a reasonable level (Section 560 BGB). Tenants can also request a reduction after receiving a credit.

Learn more: Buergergeld 2026 | Reverse a direct debit