Meter Readings 2025: Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, you must regularly read or report meter readings for electricity, water and heating so that operating costs can be billed correctly. This guide explains in clear language which meter readings are important in 2025, how to read them safely and legally, which deadlines apply and what rights and obligations arise from the BGB and the Heating Costs Ordinance. You will learn practical steps for photographing meter readings, documenting them and sending them to the landlord in a legally secure way. We also show what to do if you have doubts, when a court is called in and which documents are helpful. The information is aimed at tenants without legal knowledge.
What tenants need to know in 2025
Landlords are obliged to explain operating costs and, if necessary, bill consumption costs; tenants must cooperate by providing correct meter readings or enabling readings. Relevant legal bases are the BGB for tenant and landlord obligations and rights and the Heating Costs Ordinance for the billing of heat and hot water.[1][2]
Recording meter readings securely
Use a simple routine when reading: date, time, photo and handwritten note. Pay attention to the correct meter unit (kWh, m3, consumption unit) and document sub-meters separately.
- Photograph the meter and note the date
- Write the meter reading legibly (digits and decimals)
- Document special or intermediate meters separately
- Save photos and notes securely and attach them when sending
Rights, deadlines and forms
Tenants should report meter readings in good time if this is specified in the tenancy agreement or by a reading deadline. Special provisions apply to operating cost statements; the Heating Costs Ordinance regulates shares and billing practice.[2]
If there is a dispute
In case of disagreements with the landlord about meter readings or billing, an initial written clarification can help; if necessary, going to the local court is possible. Tenancy disputes are often tried at the local court in the first instance.[3]
FAQ
- Who must report meter readings?
- In principle, the person who is obliged to cooperate under the tenancy agreement must report or enable readings; tenants are often requested to read, landlords are obliged to bill.[1]
- What deadlines apply for reading and reporting?
- Deadlines may be specified in the tenancy agreement; for heating cost statements the provisions of the Heating Costs Ordinance apply to billing periods and submission deadlines.[2]
- What can I do if the bill appears incorrect?
- Check the documents and report objections to the landlord in writing. If clarification fails, a claim at the local court may be considered; collect all documents and photos as evidence.[3]
How-To
- Photograph the meter reading and note the date
- Save photos and notes in a file or folder
- Send meter readings to the landlord in writing or by e-mail on time
- If you dispute the bill, collect evidence and explain objections in writing, seek legal advice if needed
Help and Support / Resources
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
- Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
- Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
