White residential house with gray shutters and wooden fence in autumn foliage - symbol image for operating costs as a second rent

Operating Costs: The Second Rent

When searching for a nice rental property, many prospective buyers first look at the monthly rent. Potential buyers are also primarily interested in the purchase price, as it is the basis for the associated purchase costs and must also be frequently financed. However, in recent years, especially rising operating costs for real estate have led to ever higher burdens for tenants and owners.

They coined the term „second rent,“ which must be paid every month. Now the German Tenants’ Association is publishing an updated list of the average operating costs for real estate in Germany. It is of interest to both tenants and landlords alike.

Operating costs for real estate are precisely defined

A glance at the items included in the rental agreement and annual statement may seem confusing at first glance: Here, you will find several cost types listed, which have mostly increased continuously in recent years. It is therefore good to know for tenants and property owners that the operating costs for properties for rent and for purchase are precisely set.

The legal basis is set out in the operating costs regulation (BetrKV). It stipulates that 17 cost categories as operating expenses for real estate They must be kept up to date. Both tenants and landlords are advised to keep an eye on operating costs regularly, so that they can react quickly in the event of a significant increase. The annual operating cost statement helps with this.

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The operating cost statement reveals a need for action

For apartment buildings or apartment complexes, the property management usually prepares an annual operating cost statement. This statement shows a payment in arrears or a credit to operating costs. Owners and tenants of real estate are well advised to check their bills regularly. Carefully review the billing. Especially with energy costs, consumer advocates regularly report on false readings that directly translate into overpriced heating bills. Therefore, every billing should be carefully checked to ensure that the calculated energy needs are realistic and correspond to last year’s consumption. If this is not the case, it is worth clarifying the matter with the provider.

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Many operating costs are controllable

The latest list from the German Tenants' Association shows, among other things, at which locations in Germany tenants and property owners of properties with particularly high operating costs can expect to face problems. A look at the analysis is worthwhile. It reveals whether the operating costs for their own properties are within an average range. If it is found that some items appear overpriced, a closer examination is warranted. Many operating costs are indeed quite amenable to influence.

Insurance, home maintenance costs, garden care, building cleaning or cable connection fees are the usual items on an invoice that can affect all properties. Switching providers can help to sustainably reduce costs.

Energy costs as the biggest cost driver

The costs of electricity, gas, and oil have continuously increased in recent years. If the increased expenses can be proven based on the operating cost statement, a switch of provider may be considered. The liberalization of the electricity and gas market has ensured that local providers are now allowed to operate nationwide in recent years. Therefore, property owners and tenants today have a wide range of providers to choose from.

If your own provider has continuously increased its energy prices in the recent past, switching to a competitor may be advisable. Switching providers is fairly quick after carefully reviewing all offers, provided the existing contract is terminated at the end of its term. This way, you can reduce operational costs for tenants and owners and bring them to a reasonable level.

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