Service charges (Nebenkosten)

Service charges (Nebenkosten) are the additional costs on top of the basic rent – often called the "second rent" because they can make up as much as 40% of the total rent.

Average service charges in Germany:

• Nationwide: approx. €2.88/m² per month
• For an 80 m² flat: approx. €230/month

The biggest items:

• Heating/hot water: ~€1.00/m² (35% of all service charges)
• Water/sewage: ~€0.50/m²
• Property tax: ~€0.20/m²
• Waste collection: ~€0.20/m²
• Caretaker/stairwell cleaning: ~€0.20/m²
• Insurance (building): ~€0.15/m²

What may NOT be passed on to tenants?

• Maintenance and repairs (the landlord's responsibility)
• Administration costs (property management)
• Vacancies in other flats
• The landlord's bank charges

Check your service charge statement: according to the German Tenants' Association, every 2nd statement contains errors. Deadline for checking: 12 months after receipt.