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Running costs, electricity, internet and insurance

Nebenkosten, Strom, Internet und Versicherungen

Besides rent you pay running costs, electricity, internet and insurance. Anyone who compares contracts and notes meter readings saves a lot of money.

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Overview

Housing costs do not end with the basic rent. Every month you pay an advance for running costs, you sign your own contract with an electricity company and with an internet and phone provider, and you may need insurance and the broadcasting fee.

These bills surprise newcomers because the system differs from their home countries. This guide explains what running costs include, how to choose an electricity and gas provider, what you need for internet, and how to lower your bill without sacrificing comfort.

1

What the running costs (Nebenkosten) are

Running costs are the costs of operating the building that the landlord divides among the tenants: water and sewage, waste collection, cleaning of the stairs and garden, the lift, lighting of common areas, building insurance, property tax and usually heating and hot water.

  • You pay an advance each month, and within a year of the end of the period you receive a statement showing actual consumption.
  • You may get money back or have to pay the difference.
  • You have the right to see the original invoices if you doubt the figures, and you may not be charged for items not listed in the contract.
2

Electricity and gas

When you move in you may be registered automatically in the basic supply (Grundversorgung) with the local company, which is the most expensive option.

  • Compare prices on comparison sites such as Verivox and Check24 and choose a provider with a short contract and a fixed price, and avoid paying a full year in advance.
  • The meter records consumption in kilowatt hours, so note its reading and take a photo on the day you move in and the day you leave.
  • Termination is done with written notice according to the contract, often one month after the first term.
  • Prices change, so review your contract once a year.
3

Internet and phone

Home internet contracts in Germany usually run twelve to twenty-four months and renew automatically if not ended in time.

  • Compare speed, price and length, and ask about installation fees.
  • Mobile phone contracts come in two kinds: a monthly contract with a device, or a prepaid card that is cheaper and more flexible for newcomers.
  • After the first term you can end or change the contract with short notice.
  • If you live in a shared flat, internet may be included, so ask before you sign.
4

The broadcasting fee and insurance

Every household pays a monthly fee for public broadcasting (Rundfunkbeitrag) regardless of how many devices you own, and the people in one flat share it. You will receive a letter from the fee service after you register, which you should not ignore.

  • Residents on a low income can apply for exemption.
  • The useful optional insurances are private liability and household contents, and consumer associations warn against many unnecessary policies.
  • Before signing, ask about the right to cancel and compare at least three offers.
5

Saving money and ventilating

Heating is the biggest item on your winter bill.

  • Keep the temperature moderate, lower it when you are out and do not cover radiators with furniture.
  • There is an important German habit here: short, intensive ventilation (Stoßlüften), meaning you open the window fully for five minutes several times a day rather than leaving it ajar, which prevents damp and mould and saves energy.
  • Dry laundry in a well-ventilated place and switch off devices on standby.
  • If your bill rises for no clear reason, check your meter first and then contact the company.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Ask the landlord for the monthly running-cost advance and what it covers.

  2. 2

    Note the electricity, gas and water meter readings on handover day with photos.

  3. 3

    Compare electricity and gas providers and choose a short contract with a fixed price.

  4. 4

    Choose the right internet contract and check installation fees and the commitment period.

  5. 5

    Register with the broadcasting fee service or apply for exemption if you qualify.

  6. 6

    Review the annual running-cost statement and compare it with the invoices.

Documents checklist

  • The rental contract with the running-cost clause.
  • Photos of the meter readings at move-in.
  • Electricity, internet and phone contracts.
  • Liability and contents insurance policies.
  • Previous annual running-cost statements.

Key vocabulary

  • Nebenkosten
    running costs
  • dieVorauszahlung
    advance payment
  • derZählerstand
    meter reading
  • derStromanbieter
    electricity provider
  • dieGrundversorgung
    basic supply
  • dieVertragslaufzeit
    contract term
  • derRundfunkbeitrag
    broadcasting fee
  • dieHausratversicherung
    household contents insurance
  • Heizkosten
    heating costs
  • Stoßlüften
    short intensive ventilation
  • dieRechnung
    bill

Useful phrases

  • Wie hoch ist die monatliche Vorauszahlung?How high is the monthly advance payment?
  • Ich möchte den Stromanbieter wechseln.I would like to change electricity provider.
  • Wie lange ist die Vertragslaufzeit?How long is the contract term?
  • Ich möchte meinen Vertrag kündigen.I would like to terminate my contract.
  • Der Zählerstand beträgt zwölftausend.The meter reading is twelve thousand.
  • Ich verstehe diese Rechnung nicht.I do not understand this bill.

At the internet provider

  • Berater

    Guten Tag. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?Good day. How can I help you?

  • Sie

    Ich brauche einen Internetanschluss für meine neue Wohnung.I need an internet connection for my new flat.

  • Berater

    Gern. Wir haben einen Vertrag mit hundert Megabit für dreißig Euro im Monat.Gladly. We have a contract with a hundred megabits for thirty euros a month.

  • Sie

    Wie lange ist die Vertragslaufzeit?How long is the contract term?

  • Berater

    Zwölf Monate. Danach können Sie monatlich kündigen.Twelve months. After that you can terminate monthly.

  • Sie

    Und was kostet die Installation?And what does installation cost?

Common mistakes

  • Staying in the basic supply because you do not know there are much cheaper alternatives.
  • Not noting the meter reading at move-in, so you are later billed for the previous tenant's use.
  • Leaving windows ajar all winter, so that heat is lost and damp forms.
  • Ignoring the annual statement and not checking it, so that you pay wrong amounts or miss the objection deadline, which runs out after a year.

Cultural tips

  • Set a reminder on your phone to review electricity and internet contracts two months before they end.
  • Join neighbours to buy energy or look for group offers in your municipality.
  • Ask the consumer advice centre about any item on your bill you do not understand.
  • If money is tight, ask your municipality or the social services office about help with housing and heating costs, because you may qualify for support.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

What are the Nebenkosten?