Building savers are threatened with repayment: This is how you can get your money back!

Building savers are threatened with repayment: This is how you can get your money back!

Anyone who has a building savings contract should perhaps think again about possible overpaid fees. Because while the amounts may not seem huge, there could still be interesting repayments for many savers. The discussion about administrative costs for building savings contracts has gained increasing momentum in recent years.

A current case before the Heilbronn Regional Court concerned the Schwäbisch Hall building society and its clause in its general terms and conditions. According to the Baden-Württemberg consumer advice center, the disputed clause, which forms the basis for an annual account fee of 18 euros, is legally untenable. This fee is intended to cover the administrative costs, which, according to the law, must be borne by the provider themselves. This means that it is not an additional service that building savers have to pay for, as the consumer advice center emphasizes.

Legal decision about fees

In the above-mentioned proceedings, the court decided that the building society could no longer refer to this clause. However, this judgment does not yet have legal effect and it remains to be seen whether the building society will appeal.

It is important to note that the Federal Court of Justice has previously ruled that such fees for administrative services are inadmissible, further complicating this situation. Building societies have introduced fees in current contracts through a change to the general terms and conditions. Interestingly, the principle “whoever is silent says yes” does not apply in this context. This means that a lack of consumer response to such changes does not automatically mean consent.

The consumer advice centers expressly recommend objecting to such fees and demanding a refund of the amounts paid. If you have any questions or uncertainties, it is advisable to contact the consumer advice center for support.

Reclaim also for older claims

It is also noteworthy that consumer advocates are convinced that claims from older vintages are not time-barred. This means that not only are current fees relevant, but contributions paid in the past can also be reclaimed, including interest.

However, there are differences between individual building societies when it comes to refund policies. Some only refund the fees for the last three years, which is criticized by consumer advice centers. In this uncertain legal situation, some building societies are apparently using the mixed information situation to potentially gain advantages.

The current discussion about this practice could set new standards for the design of building savings contracts in the long term. Anyone who has a building savings contract should be well informed and, if necessary, take advantage of the opportunities to reclaim it. Further information on this topic can be found at consumer advice centers and in current articles about the legal framework, such as: www.steuertipps.de provides.

Consumers who have paid fees in recent years should therefore take action and check whether they are entitled to refunds. The legal basis is well documented, and it is possible not only to get your own money back, but also to take a stand against unacceptable practices in the building society sector.