What Is a Heat-Cost Allocator? How Are Central Heating Expenses Shared?

The same dispute arises every winter in apartments and complexes heated with a central system: "How will the heating bill be shared? Does the low user pay too much?" The answer to this question is legally clear. The era of equal sharing is over; now each unit pays for what it consumes. In this guide, we explain the heat-cost allocator system, how expense sharing is calculated, and frequently asked questions with their legal basis.

What Is a Heat-Cost Allocator?

A heat-cost allocator is a device placed on the radiator or on the unit\'s heating supply line, measuring the heat energy consumed by that unit. The type placed at the unit entrance and providing more precise measurement is called a calorimeter. Thanks to these devices, the actual consumption of each unit is determined and the bill is shared accordingly.

Is a Heat-Cost Allocator Mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory in specific buildings. The legal basis of the regulation rests on the fourth paragraph of Article 42 of the Turkish Condominium Law. The "Regulation on the Sharing of Heating and Sanitary Hot Water Expenses in Central Heating and Sanitary Hot Water Systems" (Official Gazette dated 14 April 2008), issued pursuant to this paragraph, regulates the measurement of consumption in buildings with central or regional heating systems and the sharing of expenses according to the measurement. Behind the regulation is Law No. 5627 on Energy Efficiency.

In practice: In buildings with an occupancy permit obtained after 2008 that are heated with a central system, installing a heat measurement system (allocator or calorimeter) is mandatory. Applying equal sharing without measuring is contrary to the regulation and carries the risk of administrative sanction.

How Is the Expense Sharing Calculated? The 70-30 Rule

According to the regulation, central heating expenses are shared in two items:

• 70% consumption share: Seventy percent of the total heating expense is distributed according to the measured actual heat consumption of the units. That is, whoever heats more pays more.
• 30% fixed share: Thirty percent of the total expense is set aside for common-area heat losses, minimum operating expenses of the system, and heat transfers. This share is distributed according to the usable area (m²) of the units.

This distinction is important because a unit not opening its radiators at all does not exempt that unit entirely from expense sharing.

Does an Empty Unit Pay the Heating Expense?

Yes, partially. Even if a unit is empty or does not use heating at all, it is obliged to contribute to the 30% fixed share. Because the central system serves the entire building, and there are costs such as heat transfer from neighboring units and heating of common areas. An empty unit is only exempt from the 70% consumption share (if measurement is zero) and pays the fixed share.

Common Mistakes

• Equal division without measurement: The most common and riskiest mistake. Contrary to the regulation; the affected unit owner may file a lawsuit or apply to the consumer arbitration committee/municipality.
• Reading devices by an unauthorized firm: Measurement and reading must be performed by authorized measurement firms.
• Neglecting calibration: Building management is responsible for the regular inspection and calibration of measurement devices.

The Manager\'s Responsibility

The building manager is responsible for setting up the measurement and billing system and operating it correctly. In the expense sharing document, consumption and fixed-share ratios and the corresponding amounts must be clearly shown. Tracking the calibration of measurement devices is also management\'s duty.

Summary

In central heating, expense sharing is legally done on the basis of 70% consumption + 30% fixed. A heat-cost allocator is mandatory in buildings with central systems after 2008. Even an empty unit pays the 30% fixed share. The equal division method is contrary to the regulation.

Doing this calculation manually every month and calculating each unit\'s consumption/fixed share separately is laborious. Apt Yönet\'s meter and expense sharing module distributes heat and other common expenses automatically according to defined ratios and prepares the per-unit sharing document.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone pay equally in central heating?

No. According to the regulation, it is shared on the basis of 70% consumption and 30% fixed (m²). Equal division is not legal.

Does an empty unit have a heating bill?

There is no consumption share (with zero usage), but the 30% fixed share is paid.

Is installing a heat-cost allocator mandatory?

It is mandatory in buildings with central systems and licenses obtained after 2008; otherwise there is a risk of administrative sanction.

Who reads the heat allocator?

Authorized measurement firms read them and issue the expense-sharing document.

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This content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.