Glossary · Letting and yield
Service charges (Betriebskosten)
The running costs of a building such as water, waste, cleaning, insurance and property management, on top of the net rent.
Each country sets which of them a landlord may pass on to the tenant. Listings often state only the total with rent, without the breakdown. Unusually high service charges are a warning signal, for example of expensive management or a poorly insulated building.
Where it appears in the report
Service charges appear in the rent check, separated from the net rent, and unusually high ones as a warning signal.
Common questions about it
Which service charges may a landlord pass on?
Each country sets its own rules. The service charges page shows per country what can be passed on and what the landlord bears.
Related terms in the glossary
Last updated: 2026-09-15