Document Meter Readings 2025: Tenants Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to document meter readings carefully at move-in and move-out. Accurate meter readings protect you from incorrect utility bills, prevent disputes with the landlord and secure evidence for refunds or claims. This guide explains which details you should note, how to save photos and timestamps correctly and which deadlines to observe. It also shows which official legal sources and forms are important and how to proceed in case of discrepancies. The tips are practical, legally grounded and tailored especially to tenants who want to understand tenant rights in 2025 in Germany and improve their evidence.

Why meter readings matter

Meter readings form the basis for many utility bills and can determine whether you must make additional payments or receive a refund. Without proper documentation it becomes harder to refute incorrect bills or prove exact consumption. Legal bases can be found in the Civil Code (BGB) and the Heating Costs Ordinance and the rules for utility billing.^{[1] [2]}

Prepare: What you need

• Photo evidence of the meter including clear display and date (photo).
• Record the date and time of the reading (time).
• Notes with meter number, reading, location and possibly the reading format (form).
• Contact details of witnesses or the property management for queries (contact).

At move-in

At the handover, you should immediately check and document the meter readings. Compare the readings with the landlord's handover protocol and insist on written confirmation or attach your photos to the protocol. If the landlord objects, collect evidence and record the time and names of those present.

At move-out

Before returning the apartment, read all relevant meters again, photograph the displays and document date and time. Clarify at the handover whether the landlord will record the readings and have the values confirmed in writing.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Only glancing at the meter and not taking photos.
• Failing to document the meter number and the reading date (record).
• Not having forms or protocols signed (form).

FAQ

How do I measure meter readings correctly?

Read the meter number, photograph the display with date and time and note the number in a handover protocol. Keep all receipts.

Which legal bases are relevant?

Important legal bases are the BGB (Sections 535–580a) for tenancy relationships and the Heating Costs Ordinance for heating cost billing.^{[1] [2]}

Which court should I contact in case of a dispute?

For tenancy disputes, the local Amtsgericht is generally competent; higher instances include the Landgericht and the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

How-To

1. Prepare: Have a camera or smartphone and writing materials ready.
2. Photograph the meter: Take a clear shot of the display including meter number and date (photo).
3. Document: Write down the meter reading, date, time, location and any special notes (form).
4. Obtain confirmation: Have the landlord or property manager sign the protocol or send the photos by email with a delivery receipt.
5. Store: Keep all evidence until the final utility bill is settled.

Important notes

If you doubt a bill, send a formal request to the landlord and demand access to reading protocols and property management receipts. If necessary, a lawyer or tenant advisory service can help; observe deadlines for objections and lawsuits.

Help & Support / Resources

• §535 BGB – Duties of the landlord and tenancy basics
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) – rules on billing
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – information on case law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – §§ 535–580a on gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) on gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de