Service charge premium ends - What will change for tenants with TV from July
For months, there have been reports about the abolition of the so-called Nebenkostenprivileg. Tenants should have been informed by their landlords long ago that they would have to take care of their television connection themselves starting from July 1. But why is this all happening? And which users can best profit from the now impending TV choice freedom?
What is the Nebenkostenprivileg?
The Nebenkostenprivileg is a relic from the past. Conceived over 40 years ago to boost cable network coverage in Germany, landlords have been able to collect communal charges for cable television since the 1980s. The costs for this could be passed on to tenants, along with other utility costs, such as water or waste disposal, via the annual service charge statement.
A law to abolish this privilege has been in effect since the end of 2021, but there is still a transitional period until June 30, 2024. Starting July 1, the home screen could potentially go black, as landlords have typically canceled these communal contracts with previous providers.
This legislative change is beneficial for all those who paid for the cable connection in their rental contract but never used it. And an opportunity for those who still want to watch TV - albeit requiring the effort to find a replacement. The offer is diverse. By comparing the various providers and delivery methods, one can save money and sometimes get a significantly better offer.
Caution: Cable television is not being shut down
With all the commotion surrounding the abolition of the Nebenkostenprivileg, tenants and renters might assume that cable television will be disconnected at the next monthly billing cycle. However, this is not the case. Those who wish to continue using this method of reception must typically sign a separate contract with the cable provider. Vodafone, which has taken over Kabel Deutschland in some federal states, is one such active provider in all Bundesländer. However, there are also numerous regional providers of classic cable TV connections, often in combination with broadband internet. But remember: Compare prices and offers, as there are numerous alternatives, especially in urban areas, thanks to good internet infrastructure.
Classical alternatives to cable television
If tenants have a relatively modern television set, they can watch TV programs via their own DSL or fiber-optic line. Many internet service providers offer corresponding TV packages that can be added to the internet connection.
Additionally, there are service providers like Waipu, Zattoo, or HD+, through which users can stream current TV programs on smart TVs that support the internet - in addition to the television, on other devices such as laptops or smartphones. After mostly free, weekly trial periods, monthly fees apply depending on the chosen offer. These providers also offer features such as Pause, Rewind, or access to media libraries. Prices range here depending on the scope between 6 and 13 Euros monthly.
Satellite television, which has been widely used for decades, is the most expensive alternative after installing the necessary satellite dishes. Here, most programs can be received for free. Consumers only need to procure necessary reception equipment such as a satellite dish and a SAT receiver, unless it is already built into the television. However, tenants must clarify whether the installation of a dish on balconies or exterior walls is possible and permitted.
A so-called hybrid offering is provided by the TV platform HD+. Users receive either via satellite or IPTV a cost-effective access to a broad selection of channels, high picture quality, and service functions. With it comes access to approximately 100 channels in HD quality, including at least 25 offerings from private broadcasters. Additionally, there are three channels in enhanced UHD quality via satellite. Contents can be paused and broadcasts can be restarted if the beginning was missed. The first six months via satellite are currently free, after which the offer costs 6 Euros per month or 75 Euros per year.
In many places, the TV program can also still be received via the DVB-T2 HD antenna standard, to which many German regions were switched until summer 2019. Over room or rooftop antennas, around 40 publicly-funded and private programs and the majority in HD quality are receivable. A card supporting the regions - even those with limited reception - and a reception check can be obtained on the website "dvb-t2hd.de", an initiative of public and private media institutions and broadcasters. For the reception of private broadcasters, costs of around eight Euros per month apply.
Media libraries and more
The offerings of public-service broadcasters are alternatively available for free in the media libraries of the respective broadcasters. Streaming offers Joyn and RTL+, on the other hand, provide content from the ProSiebenSat.1 and RTL groups and further productions live or on demand - at prices depending on the service and chosen subscription between 7 and 15 Euros per month.
Such offers can usually be accessed via modern Smart-TVs. However, those with older equipment can fall back on various streaming solutions to adapt the old television, for example, via HDMI connection and WLAN connection for TV reception. Such streaming players are available, for example, from Roku, Google, or Amazon. Depending on the device and provider, many of the previously mentioned offers can be bundled, so that in addition to classic TV programs, a large number of media libraries, YouTube channels, streaming offers like Netflix or Disney+, and more appear on the screen.
Conclusion: Compare and then switch.
For those who still want to receive classical cable television, they can continue doing so, with the privilege of additional costs shifting here and there. However, there are now numerous alternatives that usually offer a larger range of channels at comparable prices. Tenants are therefore advised to compare which alternative best meets their needs first. It is important to note: Always check if the television equipment is suitable for the respective provider or if additional hardware such as compact streaming sticks, TV boxes, or receivers are required. Nobody who takes some time for the provider search from July 1 onwards needs to look into the proverbial tube.
After the abolition of the Nebenkostenprivileg, tenants who never used the included cable TV service can save money by finding a replacement. This transition period also presents an opportunity for those who prefer cable TV, as they can switch to providers like Vodafone or regional cable companies. Streaming services like Waipu, Zattoo, or HD+ offer a diverse range of TV programs that can be streamed on smart TVs and other devices. These options often come with additional features such as pause, rewind, and media libraries. Satellite television is another alternative, although it's more expensive due to the need for satellite dishes and receivers. The TV platform HD+ provides a cost-effective hybrid option, offering a wide selection of channels and HD quality broadcasts. Public-service broadcasters also provide their offerings for free in media libraries, while streaming platforms like Joyn and RTL+ offer content for a monthly fee. For those with older TV equipment, streaming solutions can adapt the TV to receive these services. Overall, comparison and research are key to finding the best alternative for each individual's needs.
