GermanyCan Landlords Switch to External Heating?
Yes, but only if the switch improves energy efficiency and does not increase the tenant’s heating costs — and the landlord must give written notice at least three months in advance.
What the Law Says
German law allows landlords to replace on-site heating systems (like central boilers or individual heaters) with heat supplied by an external commercial provider — but only under strict conditions designed to protect tenants from unexpected cost increases or reduced service quality.
Under § 556c of the German Civil Code (BGB), this switch — called 'Wärmelieferung' — is permitted only if two key requirements are met: First, the new heat supply must deliver energy with improved efficiency — either via a newly built plant operated by the external provider or through connection to a district heating network ('Wärmenetz'). Second, the total costs the tenant pays for heating and hot water under the new arrangement must not exceed what they previously paid as operating costs ('Betriebskosten') for the old system.
The landlord must also notify the tenant in writing — 'in Textform' (e.g., email or letter, not just verbally) — at least three months before the switch takes effect. This gives tenants time to review the change and raise concerns if needed.
Any lease clause that tries to override these protections — for example, allowing higher costs or skipping notice — is legally invalid ('unwirksam') under § 556c(4). This ensures tenants cannot be contractually forced into less favorable terms.
Statutory TextHat der Mieter die Betriebskosten für Wärme oder Warmwasser zu tragen und stellt der Vermieter die Versorgung von der Eigenversorgung auf die eigenständig gewerbliche Lieferung durch einen Wärmelieferanten (Wärmelieferung) um, so hat der Mieter die Kosten der Wärmelieferung als Betriebskosten zu tragen, wenn 1. die Wärme mit verbesserter Effizienz entweder aus einer vom Wärmelieferanten errichteten neuen Anlage oder aus einem Wärmenetz geliefert wird und 2. die Kosten der Wärmelieferung die Betriebskosten für die bisherige Eigenversorgung mit Wärme oder Warmwasser nicht übersteigen.
— BGB § 556c(1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextDer Vermieter hat die Umstellung spätestens drei Monate zuvor in Textform anzukündigen (Umstellungsankündigung).
— BGB § 556c(2) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextEine zum Nachteil des Mieters abweichende Vereinbarung ist unwirksam.
— BGB § 556c(4) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have confirmed that § 556c BGB applies strictly — especially when landlords replace older, decentralized heating (e.g., individual stoves) with centralized, contracted heat supply.
The court ruled that when a landlord converts from individual room stoves to a contracted heat supply, the new costs passed on to tenants must not exceed the prior operating costs for heating and hot water — reinforcing the cost-neutrality requirement in § 556c(1) No. 2.
What to Do
Review your lease and the landlord’s written notice: Check whether it states the switch date, confirms improved efficiency, and shows how new costs compare to your past heating expenses.
Request documentation: Ask the landlord for proof — e.g., technical reports on efficiency gains and itemized cost comparisons — to verify compliance with § 556c(1).
Object in writing if requirements aren’t met: If the notice is late, costs will rise, or efficiency isn’t proven, you may refuse to pay the increased amount and seek advice from a tenants’ association ('Mieterverein') or lawyer.
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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.