Paid unknowingly for 16 months: Dortmund woman fights for €1,200 in heating costs

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Paid unknowingly for 16 months: Dortmund woman fights for €1,200 in heating costs.

Imagine moving out – and your heating bills just keep rolling in. A woman from Dortmund experienced exactly that: for 16 months, she transferred money to the heat supplier at her former address without noticing the connection. In the end, more than €1,200 is at stake, which she is now demanding back.

How the contract dispute could arise and what tenants should watch out for when moving out.

What exactly happened in the Dortmund case?

After moving out, a Dortmund woman continued to pay for the heat supply at her old apartment – for a total of 16 months. The report does not specify the exact monthly amounts. The payment was only noticed afterward – exactly how is not known.

The total amount now in dispute is more than €1,200, according to Focus.

How can something like this happen?

In many rental apartments, it is not the tenant but the landlord who is the contractual partner of the heat supplier. When the tenancy ends, the supply contract therefore does not end automatically – especially not if direct debits remain active. Anyone who does not actively notify the supplier of the move-out may, in the worst case, pay for months for a service that was discontinued long ago.

Exactly this risk makes the Dortmund case so understandable – and a warning signal for many tenants.

How can you tell if you're affected?

There are a few simple warning signs to watch out for: regular debits from your bank account that you can't explain after moving out, mail or emails from a supplier that should only concern your old address, or missing final invoices even though you moved out long ago.

What can you do if it happens to you?

If you notice ongoing payments for heating or hot water after moving out, quick action is important. The best course is to call the supplier directly and clarify the situation – often the contract can be terminated retroactively to the move-out date. At the same time, you should monitor the direct debits and inform your bank to reverse any unauthorized charges. Written confirmation of the contract termination gives you security in case of a dispute.

Conclusion

The Dortmund case shows how quickly a second, invisible contract can creep in after a move. Anyone who consistently reviews and cancels all contracts when moving out – not just with the electricity provider, but also with the heat supplier – will avoid an unpleasant surprise on their bank statement.