I had my house renovated in spring 2023 (bathroom re-tiled, heating renewed, new stairs installed, etc.). I read in the newspaper that you can claim the costs against tax. Is that true?

Yes.

The deductibility of handyman services in private households has been regulated by the legislator with regard to renovation, maintenance or modernization measures in Section 35a (3) EStG.
20% of the eligible expenses, up to a maximum of € 1,200, can be taken into account for tax purposes.

Only expenses for the work itself are eligible, i.e. wage costs invoiced or included in the operating cost statement, machine and travel costs, including the VAT on these costs. Material costs are not eligible.

You will only receive tax relief if you have received a craftsman's invoice and can prove payment to the craftsman's bank account by means of a bank receipt. Cash receipts are not sufficient.

As a tenant of an apartment or building, you can also claim tax relief for tradesmen's services. Of course, this only applies if you have borne the expenses yourself and have not received any compensation from third parties (e.g. the landlord).