perfectlab - stock.adobe.com /Removing or disabling radiators in apartments does not automatically affect the basic cost components in the heating bill. This article explains why this is the case and what landlords, owners, and tenants should be aware of.
No entitlement to a reduction of the basic cost components in the heating bill.
Many residents assume that removing individual radiators will also reduce their share of the basic utility costs. However, this is technically incorrect. Basic cost components in the heating bill These losses cover, among other things, the boiler, distribution, and standby losses of the central heating system. These losses remain unchanged or may even increase despite the shutdown of individual radiators.
The central heating system is designed to supply the entire building even in cold conditions. If the heating output of individual apartments is reduced, the system operates less efficiently and incurs higher losses. Therefore, a reduction in the basic cost share due to removed radiators is not justified.
Definition of the heated area and its impact on the basic cost shares
A frequent point of discussion concerns whether the heated area can be assessed at a lower rate when radiators are deactivated, in order to reduce the basic cost component in the heating bill. According to the generally accepted definition of the German Association for Heating and Water Cost Distribution (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Heiz- und Wasserkostenverteilung eV), the heated area includes not only rooms with radiators, but also adjacent rooms that can be heated indirectly. The usable floor space of an apartment is therefore not defined solely by the presence of radiators.
Therefore, there is no entitlement to reduce the heated area for calculating the basic cost shares in the heating bill when radiators are removed.
Legal aspects of decommissioning radiators
Tenants may not remove radiators without the landlord's consent. Homeowners should also check whether removing radiators is permitted before doing so. Court rulings confirm that removing radiators without authorization is not allowed, as this can negatively impact the communal heating system.
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Conclusion: Basic cost components remain despite shutdown
Removing or decommissioning individual radiators in apartments does not automatically lead to a reduction in the basic costs included in the heating bill. The losses of the central heating system remain and must be distributed fairly among all users. Legally, removing radiators is only permitted to a limited extent. Landlords, owners, and tenants should consider these aspects to avoid disputes and incorrect billing.
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