WG Nebenkosten: splitting the rent fairly
How to split rent and Nebenkosten (service charges) in a WG (shared flat), and who the landlord can ask for the full rent.
In a WG, you split rent and Nebenkosten the way you agree, for example per person, by room size or by use. If you agree nothing, everyone owes an equal share. Put your split in writing and note who paid what.
Ways to split the costs in a WG
The law does not set a fixed formula. What matters is that everyone knows which split applies.
- 1
Per person
Each person pays the same share.
- 2
By room size
Divide your room's floor area by the total floor area. That is your share.
- 3
By use
Whoever uses more pays a larger share.
- 4
A mix of methods
You can combine methods, for example by splitting the base rent by room size.
- 5
Put it in writing
Write a WG agreement that says who pays which share, by when and to which account.
- 6
Keep track of payments
Write down who paid what.
Why this matters
On a joint lease, the landlord can demand the full rent from any one of you (§ 421 BGB). Between yourselves, you each owe an equal share under § 426 Abs. 1 BGB, unless you agreed something else.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
In a WG, is everyone liable for the full rent?
If everyone is on the same lease, each person is liable for the full rent (§ 421 BGB), but the landlord can only collect the rent once in total. If you pay a flatmate's share, you can claim that amount back from them (§ 426 BGB).
Who gets the yearly Nebenkosten statement in a WG?
The yearly Nebenkosten statement (Nebenkostenabrechnung) goes to all tenants on the lease or to the Hauptmieter (main tenant). The WG splits it between the rooms itself. You can object within twelve months of receiving the statement (§ 556 Abs. 3 BGB), so check it together and in good time.
How do I split the rent by room size?
To split the rent by room size, divide your room's floor area by the total floor area. That is your share. This method suits the base rent when the rooms differ in size.
Also in this topic: Subletting a room in Germany: what subtenants need to knowKaution in a student WG: who pays in, who gets it backTaking in a subtenant: asking your landlord's permissionAll guides: Shared flats & subletting
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