Overview
- Tenant associations in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt report elevated advisory demand tied to 2024 heating back-payments.
- The Berliner Mieterverein recorded 14,628 heating-cost consultations through September 2025, compared with 22,881 in all of 2024.
- Many renters were confronted with higher charges after energy price brakes ended at the turn of 2023/24 and the temporary VAT reduction on gas and district heating expired in March 2024.
- Ista’s analysis of 1.5 million statements shows record 2024 costs, with district heating averaging about €1,140 for a 70 m² flat, roughly 25% higher than 2023, and gas averaging €909.
- Consumer advocates warn district-heating customers have limited options under local monopolies, while market analysts project further increases in 2025/26, with one estimate putting a 20,000 kWh gas bill at €2,000–€2,800.