Living in an apartment means your cable TV might come through a house connection, and your landlord can charge you for it via ancillary costs. This rule is regulated by section 2 no. 15 of the Operating Costs Ordinance, or BetrKV. But mark your calendars, because on June 30, 2024, this rule will expire. This change is part of the Telecommunications Modernization Act (TKMoG), which went into effect on 1 December 2021.
For those who don't use TV, this change means a smaller service charge bill starting July 1, 2024. You should double-check your 2024 statement to ensure the adjustment has been made correctly. The good news is, you'll no longer risk paying double for TV services you don't even use, such as if you get TV via the internet. From then on, you'll have more control over your TV contracts and providers.
While network operators warn of higher prices due to the absence of the ancillary cost privilege, the Consumer Advice Center reckons the additional costs of individual contracts will stay within reasonable limits. They've seen the corresponding individual contract for terminated multi-user contracts cost around 8 to 10 euros monthly. That's a maximum increase of 3 euros per month. Over time, prices might even decrease due to increased competition among providers.
Warning: Be on the lookout for “media consultants” who knock on your door. These self-proclaimed experts might try to talk you into new contracts using your cable connection as a pretext. You should not let them into your home.
Landlords should also pay attention to the deadline: June 30, 2024. If the community of owners fails to exercise their special right of termination with their cable provider, the house connection contract will continue to run, and the owners will still have to cover the costs. If the building community neglects this, tenants might end up watching TV sponsored by the owners.
By the way, the service charge privilege covers collective contracts for internet and telephone connections as well, although their relevance in the tenant-landlord relationship is quite low, as they're quite rare.
Don't forget: From July 1, 2024, you'll have more control over your cable TV contracts and can choose your provider at your terms. Be sure to double-check your statement in 2024 to ensure the adjustment has been made correctly.
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Enrichment:
- The Telecommunications Modernization Act (TKMoG) in Germany has far-reaching implications for cable TV connections in rented apartments. Key points related to the expiration of the service charge privilege include:
- Service Charge Privilege Expiration: The service charge privilege, which has allowed landlords to include cable TV connection costs in the rent, will expire on June 30, 2024.
- Tenant Responsibility: Tenants will be directly responsible for paying for cable TV connections starting July 1, 2024.
- Contractual Agreements: Existing contracts between landlords and cable providers may need to be reviewed and adjusted to reflect new terms.
- Cost Implications: The tenants' direct payment responsibility for cable TV services could result in increased costs for many renters.
- Consumer Protection: The TKMoG aims to increase consumer protection, making it clearer who is responsible for paying for telecommunications services.
- Regulatory Framework: The modernization of telecommunications regulations in Germany aims to adapt to shifting market conditions and consumer needs, ensuring choice and control over service costs.
