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In July 2024 there will be a significant change for tenants in Germany: This Additional cost privilege will be abolished. This change will impact various aspects of renting, and one of the areas that will receive particular focus is the TV connection.
Previously, the additional cost privilege allowed landlords to take the costs for the general TV connection into account in the additional cost bills. As a result, tenants pay a flat rate that not only includes heating costs and garbage fees, but also the TV connection. With the abolition of the additional cost privilege, this mechanism will change fundamentally from July. You can find out what you need to know and what alternatives there are here.
Loss of the additional cost privilege: What does that mean?
The fact that the additional cost privilege is no longer means that tenants will no longer have to pay for the landlord’s TV connection from July 1, 2024. This means they must instead sign individual contracts with cable or satellite providers to continue access to television services. This change means that you as a tenant will incur additional costs, as the TV providers have individual tariffs and fees that are no longer included in the additional costs.
On the other hand, the change also offers advantages. Since tenants now sign contracts independently, they have more freedom to choose from different providers and packages. And the variety of TV offerings available is huge. This could result in a wider selection of channels and services that are better tailored to your individual preferences.
Alternatives for the TV connection: These options are available
However, the abolition of the additional cost privilege could also lead to uncertainty. Some renters may have difficulty navigating the variety of offerings and choosing the best options for their needs. If you also feel a little overwhelmed, we have selected some of the possible alternatives for the TV connection for you below.
Classic cable television with Vodafone TV Connect
You can get television as usual, i.e. via a cable connection, from Vodafone, for example. “TV Connect” as a basic TV program with over 90 channels is available there from 6.99 euros.* However, the price depends on where you live. It’s best to check the exact available offers directly with Vodafone. The offer can be expanded, for example, with Giga TV, so that you would also have access to pay TV channels.
Cable TV with Vodafone 28 channels in HD and 69 in SD Additional channels, premium TV or streaming services can be booked
If you are looking for a new internet connection at the same time, you will also find an interesting bundle offer from Vodafone. If you get the “GigaZuhause” cable tariff with internet and telephone flat rate, you get cable TV for free.* You can also use the Fritz!Box 6660 free of charge for two years and benefit from a starting credit, the amount of which depends on the tariff you choose is dependent.
Read too
High-speed cable internet with free TV connection: Is Vodafone’s offer worth it?
Watch TV over the Internet at Waipu.tv
In contrast to the classic cable connection, you watch the television program over the Internet using Waipu.tv. This offers many advantages: You have access to over 200 television channels and stream both from your smart TV and on your smartphone or tablet whenever and wherever you want. You can test the Perfect Plus package free of charge for one month and then pay 12.99 euros per month.* It can be canceled monthly.
TV connection via WiFi TV on various devices (TV, smartphone, laptop, tablet) Waipu.tv Perfect Plus with 261 channels, 30,000 films and series on demand and 100 hours of recording storage
Live TV program via Internet with Zattoo
You can also watch TV live or with a time delay over the Internet at Zattoo. Here you get access to 183 channels from 6.49 euros per month*. You can also test the offer free of charge for a whole month and cancel the subscription later on a monthly basis.
TV streaming via Internet 183 channels, over 160 of them in HD, free trial for 30 days, can be canceled monthly
Read too
Streaming without advertising: With Paramount Plus you can continue to watch films and series ad-free
Television alternative: Streaming at Paramount Plus
Can you do without the television program completely? Then streaming might be the right alternative for you. Here you can choose the series and films you want to watch. A streaming provider with an extensive portfolio is, for example, Paramount Plus. You can test the subscription free of charge for seven days and then pay 7.99 euros per month.*
Ad-free streaming of films and series. Try it free for seven days, then cancel your subscription at any time for 7.99 euros per month
Overall, the abolition of the additional cost privilege in July 2024 will have a noticeable impact on tenants, as they will have to look for an alternative TV connection and sign their own contract. Nevertheless, the change also offers a great opportunity. Instead of having to pay for the landlord’s TV connection, you can now choose your television according to your taste.
Notice: Artificial intelligence was also (but not exclusively) used to research and/or create this article. All information has been carefully checked by an editor.
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