Tenants: Submetering Documents & Deadlines in Germany
Tenants in Germany often face questions over submetering backcharges: Which billing documents can I request, which deadlines apply, and how do I check the calculation? This article explains clearly and practically which documents landlords must provide, how you as a tenant can request invoices and meter data, and which deadlines apply for inspection and objection. I also describe typical forms, relevant sections of the BGB[1] and practical steps for a dispute before the local court (Amtsgericht).[4] Read on for checklists, template texts and guidance on deadlines and evidence.
What tenants can request
As a tenant you have the right to request comprehensible documentation for the billing. For heating or service cost statements additional rules from the Heating Costs Ordinance and the Operating Costs Ordinance apply.[2][3]
- Landlord billing documents (overview, allocation key).
- Meter readings and measurement data from the submetering provider.
- Invoices and proofs for consumption costs and fees.
- Contracts with measurement service providers and operator declarations.
- Correspondence between landlord, measurement service and property management.
Deadlines and formal requirements
There are fixed deadlines for backcharges. Operating cost statements generally must be issued within 12 months after the end of the billing period; this can create limits for follow-up charges.[1] Formal requirements also matter: the status of measurement points, clear allocation keys and readable invoices are important.
- Billing deadline: operating cost statements generally must be issued within 12 months.
- Inspection of records: request specific copies of receipts and measurement logs in writing.
- Objection deadline: respond promptly after receiving the statement and set a short deadline for clarification.
Requesting documents: templates and procedure
A clear procedure helps: write a short, precise request with a deadline. Specify the exact items you want to see and ask for copies rather than summaries. If there is no response, the written record is important for court proceedings.
- Written request (template) with a 14-day deadline.
- Request documents: specific line items, invoice copies, measurement logs.
- In case of dispute: use the court complaint form for the local court and attach all documents.[5]
Häufige Fragen
- Which deadline applies to backcharges?
- Operating cost statements generally must be issued within 12 months after the end of the billing period; backcharges must be justified and verifiable.[1]
- Can I request inspection of measurement data?
- Yes, as a tenant you can request inspection of meter readings and measurement data; request the logs in writing and specify the period.
- What if the statement is incorrect?
- Document discrepancies, request proof and, if necessary, file a written objection within the deadline; as a last resort, bring a claim at the local court.[4]
How-To
- Check the statement for plausibility and correct periods.
- Write a request with concrete document demands and a 14-day deadline.
- Gather copies of all proofs and photograph meter readings.
- If no agreement, file the complaint at the local court and submit all evidence.
