Tenant Rights: View Digital Records in Germany

What you should know about digital records

Many tenants in Germany now receive their utility statements digitally. As a tenant you generally have the right to inspect the underlying records and to check the statement for completeness and accuracy. The legal basis can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB) and the Ordinance on Operating Costs (BetrKV)^[1][2]. Documentation, clear deadlines and a written request help to clarify errors before court proceedings become necessary.

Your rights as a tenant

• Right to inspect all billing records (document).
• Observe deadlines: objections to the bill are generally possible within 12 months (days).
• Check for defects and, if necessary, assert rent reduction or refuse additional charges for provable errors (repair, heating).
• In case of ongoing dispute, a lawsuit at the local court is possible; appeals go to the regional court and possibly to the Federal Court of Justice (court).

How to request and review records

Send a formal request to the landlord specifying which period and which items you wish to inspect, and set a deadline of, for example, 14 days. Refer to your right of inspection and state that you will check the statement based on the BetrKV^[2]. Attach invoices, photos or meter readings you already have. If the landlord grants digital access, save copies and log the date and time of access.

Concrete steps and sample texts

• Draft a written request for inspection (form): specify period, items and deadline.
• Collect evidence: photos, bank statements, meter readings (document).
• Object to implausible amounts specifically and request correction or explanation (warning).
• If no agreement: consider filing a claim at the competent local court or initiating the payment order procedure (court).

Forms and official templates

There is no central nationwide "inspection" form for mere access; usually a written letter by post or e-mail suffices. Official forms are relevant when the matter goes to court or to the payment order procedure, such as for a payment order or filing a lawsuit. Information and forms for the payment order and court filings are available from the justice authorities^[3]. A sample inspection request should include: date, name, address, specific billing periods, requested document references and a 14-day deadline for sending copies.

FAQ

Can I request digital records?

Yes, as a tenant you have the right to inspect the billing records and can request copies; refer to the legal regulations in the BGB and BetrKV.^[1][2]

How long do I have to raise objections?

Typically, objections should be raised within 12 months after receipt of the statement; specific deadlines depend on the individual case.

Where do I go if no agreement is reached?

If the dispute continues, you can file a claim at the competent local court; information on procedures and forms is provided by the justice administration.^[3]

How-To

1. Step 1: Request the digital records in writing and set a clear deadline (form).
2. Step 2: Review and document: compare invoices, meter readings and receipts (document).
3. Step 3: Submit a precise objection with evidence and request correction (warning).
4. Step 4: Assess legal steps and prepare records for a claim at the local court if necessary (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Ordinance on Operating Costs (BetrKV) – Gesetze im Internet
• Justice portal: information on payment order and court procedures

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–536 – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Ordinance on Operating Costs (BetrKV) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Justice portal: payment order and court procedures – Justiz