If you’re relocating to Germany for the first time, or just moving to a new address, setting up home utilities like electricity, gas, water and internet will be one of the first things you need to do in your new home.
Utilities for renters & buyers in Germany
Whether or not you have to organise your own utilities depends on the type of housing you have chosen. Make sure to thoroughly read through your rental contract, so you are aware of what is and isn’t included in your rent.
Subletting & house-sharing (WGs)
If you are subletting a room or sharing a house, you will usually pay an all-inclusive rate. Utilities are handled by the landlord or lead tenant, and you don’t normally have a say as to which energy company you use or how much you pay.
Renters
If you rent a single-occupancy apartment, you will need to pay rent, additional costs (Nebenkosten - see below), and some utilities. Normally, one energy company provides for the whole building and is chosen by your landlord or the owner of the building. You will have to take care of your own internet and phone connections.
Homeowners
If you buy your own place, you will usually need to sort out all the utilities yourself, including electricity, gas, water, internet and phone.
Cold rent vs warm rent (Kaltmiete & Warmmiete)
If you are searching for a room, apartment or house, you will regularly see the words “cold rent” (Kaltmiete) and “warm rent” (Warmmiete) in property listings. It's important to understand the different meanings of these terms.
Kaltmiete (cold rent)
Kaltmiete is your basic rent, charged as a flat rate based on the size and location of the property, the number of rooms, and the furnishings. Your cold rent is static and can only be increased at most once per year.
Warmmiete (warm rent)
Warmmiete in Germany is the cold rent plus any additional costs (Nebenkosten - see below). It's therefore sometimes also called the "inclusive rent". Your warm rent is mobile, and can fluctuate depending on prices and your consumption. The price quoted to you when you first move in is usually an estimate based upon the previous occupant’s usage.
Nebenkosten
Nebenkosten are additional costs or services charges that are added to your cold rent to make the warm rent. Exactly what is included in the Nebenkosten varies from landlord to landlord and from contract to contract, so be sure to carefully check your rental agreement so you understand what is covered and what is not.
In general, the Nebenkosten usually include the following:
- Heating
- Hot and cold water supply
- Rubbish and recycling collection
- Maintenance of sewage system
- Garden maintenance
- Cleaning of halls, stairwells and communal areas
- Maintenance of elevators and safety devices like fire extinguishers and smoke alarms
- Communal laundry facilities
- Property taxes
- Insurance
- Satellite or cable television fees
Anything not included in the Nebenkosten (note, for instance, that electricity, internet and phone bills are rarely included), will have to be sorted out and paid for separately.
Utilities statement (Nebenkostenabrechnung)
It's important to note that the warm rent you are charged each month is based on an estimation of your utility costs. Once a year, you landlord will calculate the actual costs, based on meter readings, and compare them with what you have already paid.
You will receive an annual statement (Nebenkostenabrechnung or Betriebskostenabrechnung) from your landlord or building owner once a year. If you have paid too much, you will be entitled to a refund. If you have not paid enough, the landlord will invoice you for what you owe. Your Nebenkosten (and therefore your Warmmiete) will then usually be adjusted for the following year to better reflect your usage.
Can I choose whether to pay warm rent or cold rent?
This will vary depending on the landlord. Some landlords only offer the option of warm rent, while others will only offer cold rent and ask you to sort out all of your utilities. Some landlords will offer you the choice. Opting for warm rent is generally simpler overall, as the landlord handles most of your utilities on your behalf.
Energy (gas and electricity) providers in Germany
Although it was privatised in the late 1990s, the idea of re-nationalising the energy market is slowly gaining popularity in Germany. For the time being, however, you are free to choose your gas and electricity providers.
Water companies
The water grid in Germany is public, meaning that who supplies your water is determined by where you live. There are hundreds of water supply companies in Germany.
German internet providers
Despite being known as the land of ingenuity and efficiency, internet speeds in Germany are among the slowest in Europe, with most users still having a DSL connection. Some internet providers in Germany, however, do offer high-speed, fibre optic connections, so it’s worth shopping around.
Phone line
Most internet providers in Germany will give you an all-in-one package that includes a phone line. These are usually a better deal than paying separately. Learn more about getting a phone line in Germany.
Waste disposal, recycling & Pfand in Germany
Wondering where to put your rubbish in Germany? Struggling to decipher the colour code system of all of those bins? Confused by the Pfand bottle deposit system? Our guide to waste disposal and recycling in Germany explains what you need to know.