July 23, 2026, 4:54 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Anyone who has ever moved knows: There’s a lot to organize and manage. A crucial point is canceling existing electricity or gas contracts. myHOMEBOOK, along with a specialist in tenancy law, explains what to consider regarding electricity and gas after moving.
Unfortunately, energy providers are not interested in an upcoming move. Electricity and gas suppliers only know deadlines. This means existing energy contracts do not end on the day of moving out but must be actively canceled in writing. Otherwise, the previous tenant may continue to pay for the electricity for their successor. If there is no immediate re-rental of the apartment, the energy provider sends the bill to the previous landlord.
However, those who plan ahead can avoid such situations. When moving, there are two options: cancel the contract on time or transfer it to the new address.
Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now
Basic Supply or Special Contract?
The situation is particularly simple for tenants who get their energy from the local basic supplier, usually the municipal utilities. According to the Basic Electricity Supply Ordinance (StromGVV) or Basic Gas Supply Ordinance (GasGVV), such a contract can be canceled at any time without reason with a two-week notice.
It becomes more complicated with so-called special contracts. Here, a tenant obtains electricity or gas from a freely chosen provider outside the basic supply. “A tenant usually concludes an energy supply contract directly with the energy supplier. They have complete freedom of choice. The landlord cannot oblige them to a specific energy supplier,” emphasizes Thomas Pliester, a specialist lawyer for tenancy law from Mönchengladbach.
Special Termination Right
Such special contracts generally have minimum terms of twelve months or more and separate cancellation periods of up to three months. However, in the event of a move, a special termination right applies under § 41b para. 5 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). This right does not automatically apply in every case of a move but only if:
- the provider cannot deliver to the new residence,
- delivery is only possible at a higher price,
- there is already a supply contract at the new residence, such as when moving into a shared apartment or when two people move in together.
Only in these specific cases does the special termination right allow an ongoing contract to be terminated early with a six-week notice, even if the agreed term has not yet expired. Therefore, the termination letter should reach the previous energy provider at least six weeks before the move.
If the previous provider offers within two weeks of the termination to continue the contract at the new residence under the previous conditions, the special termination right lapses. The contract then continues at the new location. However, if the provider changes the price, it is not considered an offer under the previous conditions, and the termination remains valid.
Special Case District Heating: Different Rules, Shorter Notice
A special case involves apartments supplied with district heating. Here, the General Conditions for the Supply of District Heating (AVBFernwärmeV) apply. If a tenant is the contracting party with the heat supplier, the contract can be terminated at any time with a two-month notice at the end of the rental agreement. The move alone is sufficient as a reason for termination. Unlike electricity and gas, no additional condition such as a lack of delivery possibility is required.
What to Do When Your Roommate Is Annoying
Great Timing! Switch Your Gas and Electricity Rates Now to Save Money
Early Move-Out: Who Pays What?
Moves rarely align with any contract deadlines, complicating the situation. If the rental agreement is still in effect but the tenant has already left the previous apartment, there are two possible scenarios.
Also interesting: How to effectively save electricity during vacation time
Case 1: The Energy Contract is Terminated, but the Termination Occurs Before the Rental Agreement Expires
“Then the ongoing costs initially fall to the landlord. This can happen if the landlord schedules viewing appointments in the evening and naturally needs light for that. Due to the still valid rental agreement, the previous tenant bears the costs,” explains attorney Thomas Pliester. Therefore, the tenant should not terminate the energy contract too early.
Case 2: The Apartment is Handed Over Early to a New Tenant, but the Old Energy Contract Continues
myHOMEBOOK already described this case at the beginning of this article. Here, double costs threaten. If a tenant does not take care of it in time, they may finance the consumption of the subsequent party. A refund is then directed against the new tenant and must be actively enforced. There is also an exception: If the previous landlord has already found a new tenant during the actual contract term who moves in early, the outgoing party is exempt from further additional costs.
Also interesting: Tenant dies – does the rental agreement automatically end?
Moving Checklist
- Check contract documents: Basic supply or special contract?
- Review the terms and conditions of special contracts under the keyword “move”
- Send cancellation or move notification at least six weeks in advance
- Provide new address and meter number, request cancellation confirmation
- Keep the two-month notice period for district heating in mind
- Read and document meter readings with the landlord during handover
- Keep an eye on the final bill and the deadline for credit payout
Following these points helps avoid double costs and unnecessary trouble with the landlord or energy provider.