Meter Readings at Weekends for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants face the challenge of organizing a mid-term meter reading at weekends when landlords or technicians are not available on weekdays. In Germany, documentation and evidence are important: electricity, gas and water meters should be properly recorded. As a tenant, you should know how to arrange appointments, manage access and secure photos as well as a signed handover protocol. This guide clearly explains deadlines, relevant forms and practical steps for communication with the landlord. It also shows how to document matters if access is refused and which local courts are competent. At the end you will find checklists, sample forms and official links to laws and authorities. Read the practical examples below.

Why a weekend meter reading matters

An accurate mid-term meter reading prevents incorrect bills and disputes about consumption values. As a tenant, you have an interest in recording times and meter readings in writing; many regulations on maintenance and billing can be found in the Civil Code and in specific ordinances.^[1]

Practical preparation

• Agree the appointment with the landlord or supplier and confirm the time.
• Arrange access (key handover, neighbor agreement or written authorization).
• Take photos of the meters and create a protocol with date, time and signatures.
• Have all relevant forms ready and make copies for your records.
• Note contact details for landlord, janitor and supplier.

Forms, deadlines and authorities

There is no central federal mandatory form for a mid-term meter reading; a simple handover protocol with signatures is often sufficient. For questions about billing or the allocation of heating costs, ordinances such as the Heating Costs Ordinance are relevant.^[2] If the landlord refuses access or does not respond, you can collect evidence and, if necessary, contact the competent local court that handles tenancy disputes.^[3]

FAQ

Do I have to allow a mid-term reading as a tenant?

In principle, the landlord has a legitimate interest in accurate bills; at the same time, access may not be arbitrary. Therefore document appointments in writing and request confirmation.^[1]

What if the landlord refuses access?

Document the refusal (date, time, witnesses) and send a written request. If refusal persists, consider legal steps and contact the local court.

Who pays for the reading?

Cost allocation depends on the tenancy agreement and applicable ordinances; for central heating billing, the rules of the Heating Costs Ordinance apply.^[2]

How-To

1. Propose a date and time by email or letter to the landlord or supplier.
2. Obtain written confirmation and document the appointment.
3. Arrange access: key handover, neighbor or written authorization.
4. At the reading, take photos, note meter readings and have the protocol signed.
5. Send a copy of the protocol immediately by email or letter to the landlord.
6. If problems persist: collect evidence and proceed with the local court in due time.

Key points

• Documentation increases your legal certainty.
• Respond promptly to deadlines and requests.
• Keep copies at least until the next billing cycle.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Tenancy §§ 535–580a
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV)
• Federal Ministry of Justice – Courts and Responsibilities

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Tenancy §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV)
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice – Courts and Responsibilities