Nebenkosten — Additional Costs

What is it?

Nebenkosten (Betriebskosten) are apartment operating costs added to the rent.

• Kaltmiete = net rent (apartment only)
• Warmmiete = Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten

What's included in Nebenkosten?

1. Heating (Heizkosten) — the largest cost
2. Water (Wasserkosten)
3. Waste disposal (Müllabfuhr)
4. Staircase cleaning (Treppenhausreinigung)
5. Building insurance (Gebäudeversicherung)
6. Property tax (Grundsteuer)
7. Elevator maintenance (Aufzugswartung)
8. Common lighting (Allgemeinstrom)

How much does it cost?

Average €2.50-3.50 per m² monthly.

Example for 60m²:
- Nebenkosten: €150-210/month
- Kaltmiete €700 + Nebenkosten €180 = Warmmiete €880

Nebenkostenabrechnung — Annual Settlement

Once a year (up to 12 months after the year ends) you receive a settlement:
- Overpayment → refund
- Underpayment → additional payment (may be several hundred €!)

How to check the settlement?

1. Compare consumption with the previous year
2. Check if all items are legal
3. You have 12 months to file a complaint
4. Unsure? → Mieterschutzbund can help

Important!

• Landlords CANNOT charge for: repairs, loans, administration
• If something is unclear — ask!