Germany's Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizkostenV) requires most heating and hot-water costs to be billed by measured consumption. Landlords who bill flat rates face a statutory 15% reduction right on the tenant's side.
The 50–70% consumption corridor
Under § 7 HeizkostenV, between 50% and 70% of heating costs must be allocated by recorded consumption; the remainder is split by living area. The 70/30 split is the de-facto market standard because it rewards efficient behaviour most strongly.
Why a base-cost share is mandatory
The area-based share covers standby and distribution losses – heat that a building loses regardless of individual behaviour. Billing 100% by consumption would be just as unlawful as billing entirely by floor area.
Mid-year tenant changes
When a tenant moves out during the billing period, costs must be apportioned: consumption costs via interim meter readings or degree-day tables, base costs by days of occupancy. eigentumwerk calculates the time share automatically and shows it on the statement.
Remote-readable meters
Since the 2021 amendment, newly installed metering devices must be remotely readable, and tenants with such devices must receive monthly consumption information – worth planning into every device upgrade.