Smart Meter: Documenting Costs for Tenants in Germany
Many tenants in Germany face questions during the Smart Meter rollout: who pays costs, which documents are needed, and how to prove claims in disputes? This text clearly explains how you as a tenant in an older building can document costs, installation or meter point changes, and any retrospective charges. You will learn which documents are useful, how long to keep receipts, and when formal papers are required. The aim is to secure your rights, avoid later disputes, and — if necessary — provide court-proof evidence. The guidance is practical and points to relevant laws, authorities and typical forms.
What tenants in older buildings should watch
During the rollout there may be installation costs, conversion work in the house connection room or the allocation of ongoing metering costs. Request written information from the landlord and save every receipt: invoices, emails, photos before and after installation and the installation report from the metering point operator. Check the service charge bill under the Operating Costs Ordinance (BetrKV) and review claims under maintenance and rent reduction rules in the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a[1].
Specific documents and retention periods
- Invoices from the metering point operator or contractor invoices with date and service description.
- Email correspondence or written announcements from the landlord about the measure.
- Photos of the metering point before and after installation, ideally with a timestamp.
- Protocols or handover reports of the installation, if available.
Rights, duties and relevant laws
The landlord must generally announce modernizations and changes and cannot arbitrarily pass on costs to tenants; review rules such as the Heating Cost Ordinance and the Operating Costs Ordinance. If uncertain about the permissibility of cost allocation or the scope of modernization, court interpretations may be relevant. Information on the Smart Meter rollout and metering point operators can be found at the Federal Network Agency[2].
Practical steps for unclear charges
- Request full receipts and a breakdown of costs from the landlord in writing.
- Document deadlines and, if necessary, set a deadline for submitting missing documents.
- If the landlord does not respond: file an objection and consider reducing rent only after legal review.
- In continued dispute, compile evidence and contact the Amtsgericht for guidance.
Forms and official templates
For legal proceedings and formal applications use the official templates from justice portals. Statutes and ordinances are available at Gesetze im Internet, including the Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV)[3]. If a procedure becomes necessary, consult the Federal Court of Justice for relevant decisions or contact the local district court for information on complaint forms and jurisdiction[4].
FAQ
- Who pays the Smart Meter installation costs?
- It depends on contractual arrangements and the type of modernization; often the landlord bears the investment, and allocation to tenants is only possible under strict conditions.
- Which documents are most important in a dispute?
- Invoice from the metering point operator, emails/announcements from the landlord, photos and handover protocols are central.
- How long should I keep documents?
- At least three years, preferably five years in case of legal disputes.
How-To
- Collect documents: invoices, emails, photos and reports in chronological order.
- Ask the landlord in writing to explain and prove the costs.
- Set deadlines and document receipt of letters.
- Seek advice if needed and use official district court forms for legal proceedings.
Help and Support / Resources
- German Civil Code (BGB) - Gesetze im Internet
- Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) - Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Network Agency: Smart Meter Information
