Understanding Nebenkostenabrechnung — What You Need to Pay

Cold, warm and what gets settled

Rent is divided into Kaltmiete (apartment only) and Warmmiete (with cost allowances). Once a year you receive a Nebenkostenabrechnung — a statement of actual Betriebskosten against your allowances: you either owe money or get a refund. What can be settled in general (water, heating, trash, caretaker, etc.) is explained in a separate article additional costs in detail.

Deadlines that protect the tenant

• The landlord has 12 months from the end of the billing period to provide the settlement (for 2025 — by 31.12.2026). Late = loses the right to demand payment (but your refund is still owed to you).
• You have 12 months from receipt for Einwendungsfrist — written objection to errors.

How to check the settlement

You have the right to Belegeinsicht — inspection of invoices and receipts (§556 BGB; from 2025 also electronically). Check: whether the allocation key matches the lease (Mietvertrag), whether non-allocable costs were not added (e.g. management, repairs), whether the allowances match. The settlement can also be a reason for withholding part of the deposit — see deposit return when you move out.