Interim Meter Reading: Tenants in Germany Guide
What is an interim meter reading?
An interim meter reading records the current meter reading between two billing periods and helps tenants in Germany to track consumption and costs. Legal obligations and landlord duties arise from the rental agreement and general tenancy law; relevant basics can be found in the BGB.[1] Documentation protects you against later claims or billing disputes.
Evidentiary photo checklist
- Close-up photo of the meter reading so that all digits are clearly legible.
- Photo of the meter number or type plate for unambiguous identification.
- Wide-angle shot showing the meter in the room context.
- Photo of a calendar or clock next to the meter to document date and time.
- Optional: photo of the contract section with agreed billing periods.
How to store and send photos correctly
Save original files uncompressed on your smartphone or computer and create a backup in the cloud. Use filenames with the date and a short description, e.g. "2025-09-01_meter_kitchen.jpg". When sending to the landlord, proof of delivery is recommended, e.g. by registered mail or by email with read receipt; for bills involving heating costs, the Heating Costs Ordinance should be observed.[2]
If the landlord does not respond
If your landlord does not respond to justified inquiries or refuses to accept readings, document all contact attempts (date, time, content). For persistent disputes, filing a lawsuit at the competent local court may be necessary; the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible for tenancy disputes, higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice.[3]
FAQ
- Who must perform the interim meter reading?
- Usually the landlord or a commissioned service provider performs the reading; tenants may photograph and record the values themselves for documentation.
- Can photos be used as evidence in court?
- Yes, structured and unaltered photos with date information are generally accepted as evidence if authenticity can be established.
- How long should I keep meter photos and receipts?
- Keep receipts and photos at least until the final settlement and beyond for the duration of possible follow-up claims.
How-To
- Photograph the meter reading first in close-up, then the meter number.
- Capture a date and time evidence photo (e.g. calendar or clock in the image).
- Save the photos with descriptive filenames and make a backup copy.
- Create a short handover protocol with meter reading, date, time and your signature.
- Send the documentation to the landlord by registered mail or by email with delivery confirmation and keep proof of sending.
