Betriebskostenumfang

Betriebskostenumfang refers to the totality of costs incurred by a landlord in relation to the ownership and operation of a rental property. These costs are typically passed on to the tenant through operating cost settlements, also known as Nebenkostenabrechnung in Germany. The specific items included in the Betriebskostenumfang are defined by German law, primarily in § 2 of the Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV). Common examples include property taxes, water and sewage charges, heating costs, waste disposal, building cleaning, garden maintenance, and insurance premiums.

The Betriebskostenumfang does not, however, encompass all expenses a landlord might have. For instance, costs for repairs and maintenance of the building itself, as well as administrative expenses related to managing the property, are generally not considered operating costs and must be borne by the landlord. The distinction is crucial for correct billing and to prevent tenants from being charged for costs that are not legally attributable to them. Both landlord and tenant have the right to inspect the original invoices and receipts that form the basis of the operating cost settlement. This transparency ensures fairness and allows for verification of the billed amounts. A clear understanding of the Betriebskostenumfang is therefore essential for a transparent and compliant landlord-tenant relationship.