Operating Cost Advance Payment

An operating cost advance payment is a monthly amount that tenants pay to landlords to cover ongoing additional costs like heating, water, and waste disposal. For instance, if the estimated monthly additional costs are 100 euros, the tenant pays this amount each month in advance.

For residents in Germany and Austria, it is important to know that these advance payments are settled at the end of the year with the actual costs. If the actual costs are higher, the tenant must pay the difference; if they are lower, they receive a refund. The legal basis can be found in the BGB (§ 556) for Germany and in the Tenancy Law for Austria.

Related documents on DokBrief:

• Dispute Operating Cost Statement — Reason for disputing the statement.