Organize Interim Meter Readings for Tenants in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, an interim meter reading on a weekend may be necessary when the landlord or the heating cost statement requires meter readings outside normal working hours. This guide explains clearly how to organize the reading, what rights and obligations you have, how to arrange access for the meter reader and what documentation is sufficient. You will receive practical template phrases for the written request, tips for evidence with photos and a meter protocol, and recommendations on how to avoid or calmly resolve disputes. The aim is to minimize your effort and avoid legal problems without immediately considering court action. In the text I refer to relevant laws and the competent local court as well as official sources. At the end you will find a short FAQ and a guide with concrete steps for self-organizing the reading.
Preparation
Clear coordination saves time: arrange a concrete appointment early with the landlord or the contracted meter company. Request written confirmation by email or letter stating date, time window and purpose of the reading.
- Agree on a specific time window and note date and time.
- Ask for written appointment confirmation (email or letter).
- Clarify whether an employee needs access or whether the caretaker will provide access.
What to document
Note the time, the name of the meter reader and the exact meter reading. Take a photo of the meter reading showing date/time, ideally with a handwritten meter protocol that you and, if possible, the reader sign.
- Record date and time of the reading.
- Photograph the meter reading (clearly legible).
- Complete and sign a protocol if possible.
Practical template phrases
If you want to propose the appointment yourself or request written confirmation, use a short, factual phrase. Example: "Please confirm the interim meter reading on [date] between [time window] in writing by email." Such phrases help avoid misunderstandings and create proof.
What to do in case of conflict?
If the landlord suddenly demands that you be available on a weekend and offers no reasonable alternative, document the communication and propose alternatives (e.g. leaving secure access, appointment on the next working day). Repeated or disproportionate demands may make rights from the tenancy agreement and the German Civil Code relevant[1]. Special rules for heating cost statements under the Heating Costs Ordinance may apply[2], and in case of doubt it can be checked whether the reading was correctly taken into account.
FAQ
- Do I have to allow access to my apartment on weekends as a tenant?
- No, not generally. The landlord may only request access for a justified reason and must offer a reasonable appointment. A sudden demand must be proportionate; external rules and the individual case determine legality.
- What do I do if no one is at home?
- Provide a written authorization or access for the reader, or propose an alternative appointment. If possible, take a photo of the meter reading yourself and send it to the landlord.
- How do I best document meter readings?
- Take clear photos with date/time, fill out a meter protocol and send a copy to the landlord. Keep all documents at least until the next billing.
How-To
- Contact the landlord or meter company and propose a specific weekend.
- Request written appointment confirmation by email or letter.
- Prepare a meter protocol and have a camera or smartphone ready.
- Carry out the reading or let the reader in; document name and time.
- Take photos of the meter, sign the protocol and send copies to the landlord.
- Keep all documents until the next billing and check the invoice for consistency.
Help & Support / Resources
- BGB: German Civil Code — Gesetze im Internet
- Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — Gesetze im Internet
- Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
