CO₂ costs: how tenant and landlord share them
How the CO₂ cost of heating is split between you and your landlord, and how to check your share in the statement.
Your landlord pays between 0 and 95% of the CO₂ cost of heating, depending on the building's energy performance. Look for the split in your Heizkostenabrechnung (heating-cost statement). If it is missing, you can cut your share of the heating costs by 3%.
How are the CO₂ costs split?
What counts is how much CO₂ the building emits per square metre per year. The worse the energy performance, the more the landlord pays.
- 1
The split has applied since 2023
Since 1 January 2023, tenants and landlords have shared the CO₂ costs of heating.
- 2
A 10-step model for residential buildings
In residential buildings, the landlord's share depends on the building's energy performance (§ 5 CO2KostAufG).
- 3
Below 12 kg: you pay it all
If the building emits less than 12 kg of CO₂ per square metre per year, you pay all of the CO₂ cost.
- 4
12 to 52 kg: the landlord pays part
Between 12 and 52 kg, the landlord's share rises in steps from 10% to 80%.
- 5
From 52 kg: the landlord pays 95%
From 52 kg, the building's performance is in the worst step. The landlord then pays 95%.
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Non-residential buildings: half each
In non-residential buildings, tenant and landlord each pay half (§ 8 CO2KostAufG).
Why this matters
Under § 7 Abs. 4 CO2KostAufG, you can cut your share of the heating costs by 3% if the landlord does not split the CO₂ costs, or does not split them in full.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does my landlord have to pay part of the CO₂ costs?
Yes, since 1 January 2023 your landlord has had to pay a share of the CO₂ costs. In residential buildings that share is between 0 and 95%, depending on energy performance (§ 5 CO2KostAufG). The landlord must work out the share and take it off your costs.
Does this also apply to commercial premises?
In non-residential buildings, tenant and landlord each pay half of the CO₂ costs (§ 8 CO2KostAufG). The 10-step model applies to residential buildings.
What can I do if the CO₂ split is missing from the statement?
If the CO₂ split is missing, you can cut your share of the heating costs by 3% (§ 7 Abs. 4 CO2KostAufG). Claim the cut in writing, within twelve months of receiving the statement.
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