The utility bill is too high

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The utility bill flutters into the house every year. However, if this is too high, one rightly wonders what to do next. Often, utility bills contain errors, even if they have a credit. It is therefore never wrong to take a closer look at this billing.

A utility bill is issued annually and includes recurring costs that you as the tenant have to bear. You can find the exact positions in your rental contract read up. Since operating costs unfortunately very often contain errors, every billing should be checked, even if a credit is paid out, after all, this could also be higher. If your utility bill seems too high, do something before it's too late.

Contents of a utility bill

  • Recurring costs related to your rental apartment are settled here. One-time costs or administrative costs are not included.
  • The main point of billing usually relates to the hot water and heating costs. But also garbage collection, drainage, elevator, lighting, Insurance of the building, cable connection, street cleaning, caretaker, garden maintenance, Chimney sweeps or regular vermin control can have over operating costs be billed.
  • With their rent If you are already paying an advance payment for the operating costs, but if these are higher, you will have to make an additional payment.

How to proceed if the billing is too high

  • If you find your bill too high, you should object to it in writing. You have 12 months to do this, but since the landlord insists on his money, you shouldn't wait too long, as this can be a nerve-wracking. What counts here: the sooner the better!
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  • As a tenant, you are entitled to inspect all documents from your landlord or the housing association. Here you can examine invoices and see how the costs came about. But since a layperson has little idea of ​​this, it is very advisable to hire a lawyer or tenant protection association to do this.
  • A lawyer specializing in housing law can do a good job here, but it is also usually very expensive. Joining a tenant protection association is even more effective. An annual contribution is due here, but it is not that high and can also be paid semi-annually or quarterly. Usually this amounts to less than 100 euros.
  • Here are trained lawyers who only deal with rental property. These not only help you with a high utility bill, but also with all rental problems. Take a look at the internet or the yellow pages, there will also be a tenants' association in your area.
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