Overview

• The Berliner Mieterverband treats early October to the end of April as the typical period for heating, but it is a recommendation rather than a binding rule and leases may specify different timelines.
• There is no universal outdoor-temperature threshold for switching on heat, as needs vary by home and occupant.
• Older, poorly insulated buildings generally require earlier heating, whereas well-insulated homes can delay it without sacrificing comfort.
• Heizung.de offers specific outdoor-temperature reference values as guidance for different building types.
• Turning heating off entirely in winter is discouraged because prolonged cold can foster mold and freeze pipes, with interim cost-saving options including electric blankets or benefiting from neighboring apartments’ heat.