Heating is usually the biggest item on the common expenses statement in winter, and the most common source of complaints. How the cost is split depends on the building’s equipment and the decisions of the general assembly. Here are the three main methods.
1. Per-mille heating shares only
This is the traditional method in buildings without an autonomous heating system. The whole fuel cost is split using the heating per-mille table, regardless of how much each apartment was actually heated.
- Pros: simple, no extra equipment.
- Cons: someone who is away or keeps radiators off pays the same as someone heating all day.
2. Autonomous heating with hour meters
Each apartment has its own thermostat and an hour meter recording how many hours its heating ran. The cost is split in two parts:
- Fixed charge: a percentage of the cost is split by heating per-mille shares, because it covers network losses and heat passing between neighbouring apartments.
- Variable charge: the rest is split by each apartment’s operating hours, weighted by a factor based on its radiators.
The fixed-charge percentage and the factors are set by the engineer’s autonomous heating study and, where applicable, by the general assembly. That is why they differ from building to building.
3. Heat meters or heat cost allocators
Heat meters measure the actual thermal energy each apartment uses, while heat cost allocators are fitted to each radiator. This is the fairest method, but it requires the right installation and periodic meter readings. Here too, a fixed percentage is usually split by per-mille shares.
Comparison of methods
| Method | Fairness | Installation cost | Calculation complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-mille heating shares | Low | None | Low |
| Hour meters | Medium to high | Medium | Medium |
| Heat meters / allocators | High | Higher | Medium |
How to avoid disputes
- Record the fuel level in the tank at the start and end of each period.
- Read all hour meters or heat meters on the same day, with a photo.
- Issue a statement showing the fixed charge, each apartment’s hours or units and the price per unit separately.
- Handle unused fuel clearly when a tenant changes (see who pays what).
Heating in BeeManager
BeeManager splits all building expenses automatically, including heating, and sends every resident a detailed PDF statement, so it is clear what they pay and why.