Meter Readings for Remote Moves – Tenant Rights in Germany
What tenants need to know now
When moving remotely, meter readings are a common point of dispute between tenants and landlords. Many tenants in Germany wonder how to prove accurate consumption values from afar, meet deadlines and ensure costs are billed correctly. This text explains in plain language which steps help now: what data you should document, how to inform the landlord, which photos or videos make sense as evidence and when to consider legal action at the local court. You will receive practical templates for notices to the landlord and references to relevant sections of the BGB as well as guidance on how to submit documents to court. The goal is to strengthen your rights as a tenant in Germany and avoid unnecessary costs.[1]
Practical steps for a remote move
Create clear documentation: date, time, visible meter reading and photo/video. Send the reading immediately by email or registered mail to the landlord and to the responsible energy provider if necessary. Include your new address in the notice and remain reachable for questions.
- Take photos or videos at the time of reading and clearly show the date
- Record meter number, reading and time as written evidence
- Send the reading by email and by registered mail to the landlord
Sample wording for the notice
Use a short, clear notice: date, meter number, meter reading, time, photo attachment and note about remote handover. A brief example: "I hereby report the meter reading of DD.MM.YYYY: meter number X, reading Y kWh. Photo attached. Please confirm receipt."
Which deadlines apply?
There are fixed deadlines for billing in tenancy law; respond promptly if the landlord queries or contests an annual statement. If the date of reading is disputed, rapid documentation can strengthen your position.
- Report meter readings ideally on the same day as the reading
- Respond to landlord inquiries within a few days to avoid missing deadlines
Evidence and what counts in court
Photos and videos with timestamps are often decisive. Save original files, emails and registered mail receipts. If necessary, prepare a written chronology with ordered evidence. In disputed cases, the local court (Amtsgericht) handles rental disputes; keep procedural deadlines of the ZPO in mind if you consider filing a claim.[2]
Templates and forms
There is no uniform nationwide mandatory form for meter readings; use a simple authorization if someone reads on your behalf and a clear handover protocol for the moving-out. For legal action, template texts from the Federal Ministry of Justice can be helpful. Use clear subject lines and attach all evidence.
FAQ
- What if the landlord does not accept my reading?
- Keep your documents, request a written statement from the landlord and, if necessary, involve the local court. Present all evidence in an ordered way.
- Who pays if bills differ?
- If an incorrect reading causes a disadvantage, costs may be disputed; document everything and check whether correction or reimbursement is possible.
- Can I authorize someone to take the reading for me?
- Yes, a simple authorization usually suffices; include a copy of your ID and document the reading time and the person who read it.
How-To
- Before moving: schedule the reading and inform landlord and providers.
- On reading day: photograph the meter with date/time and note meter number and reading.
- Send the reading by email and by registered mail to the landlord.
- Save all evidence and create a chronological file.
- If disputed: submit an organized dossier to the local court or seek legal advice.
Help and Support
- [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. - Legal basis
- [2] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Court for principles
- [3] Federal Ministry of Justice - template texts and forms
