Overview
- Recent consumer guides published Oct. 22–24 use model calculations to show that a flächenbezogener Grundkosten share can produce high individual bills even when a household records low measured consumption.
- By law the Heizkostenverordnung (§7) requires that 50–70 percent of central‑heating costs be billed by measured consumption, with the remainder allocated as base costs often by apartment area.
- Base costs are a share of the whole building’s heating bill so rises in total energy, maintenance or meter costs raise every tenant’s area‑based charge regardless of personal thermostat settings.
- Tenants have the right to inspect the invoices and supporting documents and must file specific objections within twelve months after receiving a formally correct statement or risk losing claims.
- Practical steps include checking the stated living area, the distribution key and the sum of credited advance payments, using tenant‑group tools for a quick plausibility check, and seeking Mieterverein or Verbraucherzentrale help early because missed deadlines have cost tenants money in BGH rulings.