Utility costs (Nebenkosten) are services that are included in your warm rent.
Usually, these services are included in your Nebenkosten:
- Heating
- Hot water (most of the time)
- Trash collection
- Cleaning and landscaping
These services are sometimes excluded:
- Electricity for your lights and appliances
- Hot water from a flow heater (Durchlauferhitzer)
You pay the estimated utility costs every month with the rent. Every year, your landlord calculates the real costs, and sends you a bill (the Nebenkostenabrechnung). If you paid too much Nebenkosten, you get money back. If you did not pay enough, you get an invoice.