Many homes in Germany are heated with gas. Sometimes you also cook on a gas stove. Then one question is important: do you need your own gas contract, or does the landlord take care of it? The answer is in your rental contract (Mietvertrag). This is the contract between you and the landlord. If the whole building shares one heating system, the landlord usually buys the gas. You then pay for it through the additional costs (Nebenkosten). These are costs for the building that you pay on top of the rent. If you have your own gas heating in the flat, you usually need your own contract. This is often a gas boiler (Gastherme). It is a device on the wall, for example in the kitchen or bathroom. It heats the water and the heating. So this task applies to everyone who has to pay for their own gas.
What you need
- Your rental contract or a clear answer from your landlord on whether you need your own gas contract
- The address of the flat
- The date you move in
- The meter number (Zählernummer) of the gas meter. The gas meter is the device that measures how much gas you use. The number is on the device.
- The meter reading (Zählerstand) on the day you move in. This is the number the meter shows.
- Your name and date of birth
- Bank details (IBAN) if you want to pay by direct debit. With direct debit (Lastschrift), the provider takes the money from your account itself.
- An email address or phone number
You usually do not need a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) for the gas contract. Even so, you should register your address soon. You can read more about this under Registering your address.
Step by step
- Read your rental contract. Look for words like “Heizkosten” (heating costs), “Zentralheizung” (central heating) or “Gasetagenheizung”. A Gasetagenheizung is a separate gas heating system just for your flat. If you are unsure, ask your landlord or the property management. The property management (Hausverwaltung) is a company that looks after the building for the landlord.
- Find the gas meter. It is often in the basement, the kitchen or the hallway. Ask your landlord which meter belongs to your flat.
- Write down the meter reading. Write down the meter reading on the day you move in. Take a photo too. The meter reading is often in the handover report (Übergabeprotokoll). This is a document you fill out with the landlord when you get the keys.
- Find out who the default supplier is. The default supplier (Grundversorger) is the provider that supplies gas to most households in your area. Your landlord or neighbours can often tell you who this is.
- Compare tariffs. You are free to choose your gas provider. Pay attention to the standing charge, the price per kilowatt hour, the contract term and the notice period (Kündigungsfrist). Ask your landlord roughly how much gas is used in the flat. Below this text you can compare gas tariffs.
- Sign the contract. You can usually do this online, by phone or in writing. Give the meter number, meter reading and move-in date. The new provider takes care of the rest.
- Keep your documents. You will receive a confirmation. It also shows your monthly instalment (Abschlag). This is a fixed amount that you pay in advance every month. Keep all letters and emails in a safe place.
- Cancel when you move out. If you move later, tell your provider in good time. Write down the meter reading then as well.
Costs and deadlines
Gas costs usually have two parts. The standing charge (Grundpreis) is a fixed amount, no matter how much you use. The unit price (Arbeitspreis) is the price for each kilowatt hour you use. Prices vary a lot depending on the provider and where you live. That is why we do not give any amounts here.
Once a year you receive an annual bill (Jahresabrechnung). This is a bill for what you actually used. If you used more than you paid for, you pay the difference. If you used less, you get money back.
Important deadlines:
- It is best to sign up before you move in or in the first few days after.
- If you do not sign a contract but still use gas, you are automatically with the default supplier. This default supply (Grundversorgung) is often more expensive than other tariffs. But you can cancel it with two weeks’ notice.
- If you sign a contract online, by phone or at your front door, you usually have a right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht) of 14 days. This means you can end the contract during this time without giving a reason.
Common problems for newcomers
You do not have a Schufa record yet
Schufa is a company that collects data on whether people pay their bills. Some gas providers check this before signing a contract. Without Schufa data, a provider may turn you down or ask for payment in advance. In that case, ask another provider. The default supplier generally has to supply households in its area. You can read more under Understanding and building your Schufa.
You are not registered yet
For the gas contract, the address of the flat is usually enough. You do not have to wait until you are registered at the citizens’ office. The citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) is the city office where you register your address.
You do not have a German bank account yet
An account from another country in the European payments area (SEPA) is generally allowed for direct debits. You can also ask whether you may pay by bank transfer. In the long run, a German account is often easier. See Opening a bank account.
You do not speak much German yet
Take your time. Do not sign anything you do not understand. Sometimes salespeople come to your door and offer gas contracts. You do not have to sign anything there. Ask someone you trust to help you read. You can read online forms calmly with a translation app.
You do not know whether you heat with gas or electricity
Ask your landlord. Some flats are heated with electricity or district heating (Fernwärme). Then you do not need a gas contract. But you almost always need an electricity contract. See Setting up electricity.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I do not sign up?
You still get gas. You are then automatically with the default supplier. This is often more expensive. But you can switch to another tariff at any time.
Can I change my gas provider later?
Yes. Check the notice period in your contract. The new provider usually takes care of cancelling with the old provider.
Who repairs the gas heating?
Your rental contract sets this out. Often the landlord is responsible for the heating. So report problems to your landlord or the property management first.
I smell gas. What should I do?
Do not use light switches, open flames or the doorbell. Open the windows and leave the flat. From outside, call the emergency number 112 or the gas emergency service (Störungsdienst). The number of the emergency service is often on the gas meter or in the stairwell.