Letter guide
Nebenkostenabrechnung: how to check the utility bill from your landlord
The Nebenkostenabrechnung (or Betriebskostenabrechnung) is the yearly statement of your flat’s running costs — heating, water, rubbish, cleaning and more. It compares what you paid in advance with the real costs.
Deadline
The landlord must send the statement within 12 months after the billing period ends. You can object within 12 months after receiving it.
Who sends it
Your landlord or the property management (Hausverwaltung).
What to look for
- The billing period (usually one year).
- The total costs and how they are split (by area, persons or meter readings).
- Your advance payments (Vorauszahlungen).
- The result: credit (Guthaben) or back payment (Nachzahlung) and the due date.
- Any new monthly advance payment.
What you usually need to do
- Check the period, your flat size and the number of persons.
- Compare with last year — big increases deserve a closer look.
- You may ask to see the receipts (Belegeinsicht).
- If you have to pay: pay by the due date or object in writing.
Where to get help
Tenants’ associations (Mieterverein) check statements for members; consumer advice centres can help too.
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Try Clartly for freeGeneral information, not legal advice. Every letter is different — always check yours and get professional advice in a dispute. Last reviewed: 2026-10.