Climate, Energy and Costs 2027: An Overview for Tenants and Students

Heating, electricity and housing take up a large share of the budget of tenants and students. Several changes for 2027 are under discussion, and not all of them are binding. This overview separates current law from the legislative status and links to the guides on heating costs, electricity tariffs and balcony solar systems.

Key points at a glance

• CO2 price: the change to the BEHG for 2027 is in the legislative process and becomes binding only once promulgated.
• CO2 costs on the heating statement: the CO2 cost sharing act sets how landlords and tenants divide the costs.
• Heating statement: receipt date, billing period and distribution key are the first points to check. The landlord must issue the statement on time (§ 556 BGB).
• Electricity: grid fees are a separate part of the power price, whichever tariff you choose.
• Balcony solar: registration takes place in the Marktstammdatenregister of the Federal Network Agency. Whether the landlord must consent depends on the case.

What does the 2027 CO2 price mean for heating and fuel?

The CO2 price for fuels is set in the German Fuel Emissions Trading Act. An amendment for 2027 is currently in progress. The table separates current law from the legislative status, so it is clear what applies today.

How the CO2 price is divided on the heating statement is explained in CO2-Kosten im Heizkostenbescheid.

Who pays the CO2 costs on the heating statement?

The CO2 cost sharing act sets how landlords and tenants divide CO2 costs between them. The share depends on the energy quality of the building, measured by its CO2 emissions. The higher the emissions, the larger the landlord’s share.

• The landlord’s share rises with the building’s CO2 emissions.
• The tenant’s share falls accordingly.
• The exact tier appears on the heating statement or the energy performance certificate.

What should I check on the heating statement?

For many tenants the heating statement is where an additional payment first shows up. The landlord must issue it on time (§ 556 BGB). The table lists the main checks.

Object to any issue promptly and in writing, ideally with evidence. The guide Heizkostenabrechnung prüfen covers the typical mistakes.

What matters for a special termination of an electricity contract?

If the supplier raises the price, many contracts give you a right of special termination. Whether you can terminate, and with what notice, depends on the contract and its price adjustment clause. Consumer advice centres can help you check it.

1. Check the price increase and its justification in the letter.
2. Find the special notice period and the price adjustment clause in the contract.
3. Send the termination in writing with the date and keep proof of receipt.

The details are explained in Sonderkündigung beim Stromvertrag.

How does a balcony solar system work in a rented flat?

Whether the landlord must consent depends on the case, for example whether the facade or common property is affected. Regardless of that, the system is registered in the Marktstammdatenregister of the Federal Network Agency. The limits set by the landlord are covered in Balcony Power Plant in a Rented Flat: Can the Landlord Say No?.

What does electricity cost in everyday life, and how do you calculate it?

A device’s consumption follows from its power rating and operating time. Kilowatt-hours are the power in kilowatts multiplied by the hours in operation. The cost is the kilowatt-hours multiplied by the price per kilowatt-hour.

You will find the current price per kilowatt-hour in your tariff or your supplier’s price list. The method is in Stromkosten berechnen.

Frequently asked questions

Will electricity become more expensive in 2027 because of grid fees?

Grid fees are a fixed part of the power price and feed into every tariff. Their development is regulated by the Federal Network Agency. Whether the total price rises depends on many factors, so check your supplier’s price sheets.

Does my landlord have to allow a balcony solar system?

That depends on the case. A conversation with the landlord in text form helps clarify the position before you set up the device. The guide on landlords and balcony solar systems describes the limits.

Does the 2027 CO2 price already apply to my heating?

The change to the BEHG for 2027 is in the legislative process and becomes binding only once promulgated. The heating statement shows the actual costs of the billing period. For planning, it is worth checking the legislative status regularly.

Can I still object to my heating statement?

Yes, if you object promptly and in writing. The landlord must issue the statement on time (§ 556 BGB). Note what strikes you, and request evidence if something is unclear.

What to do next

1. Place your heating statement and tenancy agreement side by side and check the period and advance payments.
2. Review your electricity contract and note the price adjustment clause and the notice period.
3. Before setting up a balcony solar system, clarify the landlord’s consent and the registration in the Marktstammdatenregister.
4. Follow the legislative process for the BEHG until promulgation and adjust your planning.
5. For questions on household energy, the consumer advice centres help, and for tenancy questions the tenants’ association.

Related guides

CO2 price and heating costs

• CO2 Price 2027: What the Price Corridor Means for Heating and Fuel
• Climate Money 2027: What Is Settled and What Is Still Open
• EU-Emissionshandel ETS 2: Was ab 2028 auf Heizen und Tanken zukommt
• Modernisierungsumlage nach Heizungstausch: Was der Vermieter darf
• CO2-Kosten im Heizkostenbescheid: Wie Vermieter und Mieter aufteilen
• Building Modernisation Act: What Changes for Tenants When Heating
• Checking a Heating Cost Statement: Deadlines and Common Errors

Heating in rented homes

• Heizkosten senken: Was Mieter ohne Umbau tun können
• Heating replacement in a rented flat: Who decides and who pays
• Hitze in der Mietwohnung: Gibt es ein Recht auf Kühlung? (in German)
• Warmwasser sparen im Alltag: Was Duschen und Boiler wirklich kosten (in German)
• Energieausweis in der Wohnungsanzeige: Was Mieter daraus lesen
• Mieterstrom: Lohnt sich der Vertrag für Bewohner? (in German)
• Kostenlose Energieberatung für Mieter: Was öffentliche Stellen anbieten (in German)
• Fernwärme in der Mietwohnung: Was Mieter zahlen und prüfen sollten (in German)

Electricity and tariffs

• Special Termination of an Electricity Contract After a Price Rise
• Netzentgelte 2027: Warum Strom trotz Entlastung teurer werden kann
• Stromfresser im Haushalt: Welche Geräte am meisten kosten
• Calculating electricity costs: From appliance to monthly amount
• Stromsperre droht: Was der Versorger nach der Mahnung darf
• Dynamischer Stromtarif: Lohnt sich das für Studierende und Mieter? (in German)
• Ökostrom oder Standardtarif: Was sich bei Preis und Herkunft lohnt (in German)
• Smart Meter Pflicht: Was der Einbau kostet und wer ihn bezahlt (in German)
• Stromtarif wechseln: Neukundenbonus und Preisgarantie richtig prüfen (in German)
• Wärmepumpenstrom: Lohnt sich ein Sondertarif? (in German)

Balcony solar systems

• Balcony Power Plant in a Rented Flat: Can the Landlord Say No?
• Registering a balcony power plant: Duties and the register
• Balkonkraftwerk mit 800 Watt: Was erlaubt ist und was der Stecker kann
• Balkonkraftwerk in der WEG: Anspruch und Grenzen (in German)

Sources: German Bundestag, hib 692/2026 of 8 September 2026 on the draft Third Act Amending the BEHG, Bundestag paper 21/7869 (retrieved November 2026, in German); § 556 BGB, operating cost statements (German law); Core Market Master Data Register of the Federal Network Agency

Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.