Check service charge statement
Have you received a service charge statement? Check in 3 minutes whether the deadline, calculation and cost categories may be correct — free and quick.
Service charge statements in Germany must comply with § 556 BGB and the BetrKV: deadlines, permitted cost categories, and mathematical accuracy. This free checker analyses your statement for potential errors.
Upload PDF — AI checks everything automatically
Upload your service charge statement. The AI reads all line items and checks them immediately under § 2 BetrKV, HeizKV and TKG § 78 (cable TV charges since July 2024).
Upload PDF & checkWhat do we check?
Automatic deadline check
Did the landlord comply with the 12-month deadline? If exceeded, any additional payment demand may be void.
Calculation error detection
We check your cost share against the distribution key and identify potential over- or under-charges.
Impermissible cost items
Management costs, maintenance, vacancy costs — these items may not be charged to tenants.
Detailed analysis
For errors, you receive a detailed analysis listing all objections under § 556 BGB.
Potential savings
You can see directly how much you could potentially recover — with legal reasoning.
Data minimisation
No data stored. All calculations run locally in your browser.
How it works
- 1
Enter billing period
Start, end and receipt date of the statement — for the deadline check under § 556 para. 3 BGB.
- 2
Enter flat details
Your floor area and the total building area for the distribution key check.
- 3
Enter cost items
All items from the statement: cost type, total costs, your share, distribution key.
- 4
Result & next steps
Instant result with all errors and legal classification. Information on possible next steps.
Legal basis
- § 556 BGB — Operating costs
- § 2 BetrKV — Cost catalogue
- HeizKV — Heating costs
This information was compiled based on current German legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a service charge statement (Betriebskostenabrechnung)?
The service charge statement details which ongoing building costs (water, heating, waste collection, etc.) are charged to tenants. The landlord reconciles the monthly advance payments against the actual costs.
By when must the landlord issue the statement?
The landlord must deliver the service charge statement no later than 12 months after the end of the billing period (§ 556 para. 3 BGB). If the statement arrives later, any additional payment demand may lapse — you may not owe anything.
Which costs may not be charged to tenants?
Under the BetrKV and § 556 BGB, the following items may not be charged: management costs, maintenance and repair costs, vacancy costs, mortgage interest, depreciation and legal costs. If these appear in your statement, you may be able to object.
What is the distribution key (Verteilerschlüssel)?
The distribution key determines how total costs are apportioned among tenants. Common keys are floor area (proportional m²), number of persons or consumption (for heating/water). The landlord must state the key used and may not change it arbitrarily.
How do I lodge an objection?
An objection must be submitted in writing within 12 months of receiving the statement (§ 556 para. 3 sentence 5 BGB). All objected items should be listed with legal reasoning. Our tool prepares this letter automatically.
Can I request to inspect the supporting documents?
Yes. You have the right to inspect all original documents (§ 259 BGB in conjunction with § 556 BGB). The landlord must provide copies or allow inspection within a reasonable period. If they refuse, you may be able to contest the statement.