Understanding Nebenkostenabrechnung — What You Need to Pay

Status: March 2026. All information without guarantee.

Kaltmiete vs. Warmmiete

The Warmmiete is what you actually pay each month.

What are Nebenkosten?

According to the Operating Cost Ordinance (BetrKV), the following costs can be allocated:

• Heating and hot water (largest item, approx. 40–50 %)
• Water and wastewater
• Waste collection
• Property tax
• Building insurance
• Caretaker / Stairwell cleaning
• Elevator (if available)
• Garden maintenance
• Street cleaning / Winter maintenance
• Cable connection (partially, changes since 2024)

Annual Settlement

Once a year you receive a Nebenkostenabrechnung from your landlord:
- Deadline: no later than 12 months after the end of the settlement period
- Result: additional payment (you paid too little) or credit (you get money back)

⚠️ Check Your Settlement!

About every second Nebenkostenabrechnung in Germany contains errors. Check:
- Are the settlement periods correct?
- Is the distribution key (living area, number of occupants) accurate?
- Are there impermissible costs included (e.g., repairs, administrative fees)?
- You have 12 months to lodge an objection

Average Betriebskosten

In Germany, you should expect approximately €2.50–3.50/m² per month for Nebenkosten. For a 60 m² apartment, that's €150–210 monthly.

Money-Saving Tips

• Heating: Lowering room temperature by 1°C saves approx. 6 % on Heizkosten
• Water: Shower instead of bath, use water-saving showerhead
• Ventilation: Short bursts of ventilation instead of keeping windows ajar (prevents mold and heat loss)