Gas and oil prices are at record levels: landlords are passing these on to their tenants.
Can a cost shock be avoided?
Autumn is here, temperatures are falling.
For many, September means turning on the heating.
Much to the chagrin of consumers.
Gas and electricity prices are exploding at the same time.
As a result, many energy suppliers have increased their prices.
Landlords pass on the costs for heating and hot water to their tenants.
Now it's time to save money so that you don't experience a nasty miracle with the next billing in the coming year.
Heating costs are exploding: As a tenant, should I make advance payments now?
The German Tenants' Association assumes that the additional payments in the 2023 accounting year can amount to up to two months' rent.
However, how high these actually are depends on various factors.
These include, among other things, the individual consumption behavior of the tenants and if advance payments are planned or agreed with the landlord.
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Consumers can save money on heating with a few tips.
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© IMAGO/Revierfoto
For some, the heating is still off for the time being.
Layers on sweaters and socks are used instead to stay warm.
But winter is definitely coming - and then heating will be unavoidable.
The German Tenants' Association knows that some tenants have already received requests from the landlord to increase their advance payments on the ancillary costs in order to cover the price increases.
The amount of a monthly advance payment results from the result of the annual statement, divided by twelve.
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Heating costs explode: Monthly advance payments are legally permitted
The landlord also has the right to do this after he or she has sent the tenant a statement of the ancillary costs that is correct in terms of form and content.
This should be in text form, such as a letter or email.
However, he is only allowed to do this once per accounting year.
This means that the landlord may not make any further adjustments in the current year.
Finally, it is advisable for tenants to transfer the increased advance payments immediately with the next monthly rent so that there are no problems.
According to the German Tenants' Association, tenants should first insist on the extent to which the increase is made up.
You can also request that contracts and invoices from energy service providers be presented to you.
In addition, the landlord or landlords must be able to credibly assure that they are always looking for a reasonably priced offer.
Little tricks help old heaters
Little tricks help old heaters
List of rubrics: © IMAGO/Revierfoto
