Cable TV in the service charges? No longer allowed since 2024
Fees for the cable-TV connection still appear in your service-charge statement? The so-called ancillary-cost privilege was abolished in mid-2024. Since then, cable-TV costs may no longer be passed on to all tenants as a flat rate via the rent or service charges.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Dispute the cable costs →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
- 1
1. Check the statement
See whether, for periods from July 2024 on, cable or multimedia costs still appear as passable operating costs.
- 2
2. Dispute it
Point out to the landlord in writing that the ancillary-cost privilege has ended, and dispute the item.
- 3
3. Choose your own connection
You can freely decide how you watch TV, and conclude your own, often cheaper contract or forgo it entirely.
- 4
4. Reclaim overpayments
If it was wrongly billed after the cutoff date, reclaim the amount.
Frequently asked questions
May the landlord still bill cable TV via the service charges?
No. Since 1 July 2024, the 'ancillary-cost privilege' has been abolished, the costs of a cable connection may no longer be passed on to tenants as a flat rate via the operating costs. For periods after that, such a pass-through is not allowed.
Do I even have to have a cable connection?
No. You decide yourself whether you use cable TV, streaming, satellite or no TV reception at all, and can choose your own, often cheaper contract. Cable fees wrongly billed from July 2024 on you can reclaim.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.