Outdated heating systems in Germany are leading to soaring energy costs, with families like Kevin and Lea facing an additional 1,900 euros in expenses. Many homes, especially those built before 1977, lack proper insulation, resulting in significant heat loss. Despite tenants’ rights to maintenance, energy renovations are often beyond their control. The issue is particularly severe for vulnerable groups, as a rising number of individuals struggle to afford heating, with 5.2 million affected nationwide.
Outdated Heating Systems and Rising Energy Costs: Is Heating Becoming a Luxury in Germany?
Kevin Krieger and his wife, Lea Le Yaouanc, are taken aback by the prospect of an additional 1,900 euros in heating expenses. They reside in a charming, yet aging, apartment from 1932 in Saarbrücken, along with their two children.
Spanning 200 square meters with elegant high ceilings, their rental unit has been beautifully updated; however, since moving in July 2023, they have struggled to maintain warmth. “On chilly, stormy days, our apartment hardly retains any heat, regardless of how much we crank up the thermostat,” laments Kevin, the 39-year-old father.
A staggering number of homeowners—nearly one in three—are waiting for legal mandates before they consider energy renovations for their properties.
Drafty Homes: An Ongoing Challenge
Seeking assistance, the family turns to the Saarland Consumer Center. Energy consultant Cathrin Becker thoroughly inspects their apartment and quickly identifies a few issues. The windows are outdated and drafty, and the apartment door leading to the frigid stairwell is equally neglected, allowing cold air to seep in through cracks.
As a result, a continuous draft permeates every room. “The heat you introduce vanishes immediately. It’s like trying to fill a bucket with holes,” Becker comments after her inspection, highlighting the urgent need for improvements.
Staggering Renovation Needs in Germany
The challenges posed by high energy costs due to inadequate building conditions are widespread. A 2022 study by the Association for Contemporary Building reveals that over half of Germany’s 19.2 million residential buildings were constructed before the first thermal insulation regulations came into effect in 1977.
Particularly, properties built between the 1950s and 1970s exhibit significant structural weaknesses, totaling around 7.2 million buildings nationwide. The need for renovations is immense, with the study concluding that only about one-third of all structures have undergone energy-efficient upgrades.
Examining Heating Costs and Tenant Rights
Back in their apartment, energy consultant Becker reviews the heating cost statement. Her assessment indicates that if extrapolated to 2023, their consumption would reach a staggering 45,000 kilowatt-hours.
For Becker, this figure is alarming, suggesting excessive heating despite the couple’s perception of inadequate warmth. She recommends replacing the old windows and the worn-out front door, yet such decisions lie beyond the couple’s control.
For homeowners relying on oil or gas heating, the forecast suggests that prices will continue to rise.
Understanding Tenant Rights Amidst Rising Costs
The insights from the German Tenants’ Protection Association clarify that tenants do not have a legal right to demand energy renovations. Spokeswoman Jutta Hartmann explains, “If there are issues like broken heating or leaky windows, tenants do have rights regarding maintenance and repairs.”
However, should significant defects arise, tenants can assert warranty claims, which may include rent reductions. The extent of the reduction varies based on the severity of the defect; the more critical the issue, the greater the potential decrease in rent.
Heating Alternatives: A Family’s Dilemma
Disheartened, Kevin and Lea find themselves helpless in making their rental unit less draughty while grappling with soaring costs. Their monthly rent stands at 1,900 euros, with an additional 650 euros in expenses.
“And even this increase won’t suffice,” Kevin fears, suggesting their only recourse is to “turn down the heating and don a sweater” to mitigate future costs, particularly as they anticipate another spike in 2025.
The Struggles of Heating Affordability for Vulnerable Groups
The plight of cold apartments is a pressing issue, particularly for the elderly. Energy consultant Becker reflects, “I often see this struggle among older individuals on fixed incomes who can no longer afford to heat their homes. Many resort to warming just one room while the rest remain frigid.”
A recent analysis by Correctiv.Europa reveals a concerning trend: more people in Germany are finding it increasingly difficult to afford heating. The study highlights that approximately 5.2 million individuals in the country are facing this daunting reality, based on data from the European Union in 2024.