Smart Meters in Old Buildings: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you may face questions during the switch to smart meters: What rights do I have, what may the landlord install, and who bears modernization costs? This article explains in plain language how to check smart meters in old buildings, which documentation matters, and when a notice to the landlord or even court action may be necessary. We cite the relevant BGB sections, show practical steps for checking meters, and give tips on how to assess modernization and operating costs. At the end you will find a how-to, FAQ and official authority links so you can act confidently as a tenant in Germany.

How Tenants Should Check Smart Meters

Start with a visual inspection of the meter and note the year of manufacture, manufacturer and meter numbers. Compare the meter readings with your previous bills and watch for unusual jumps in consumption. For questions about consent and modernization, tenancy regulations set out the duties of landlords and tenants^[1].

• Visual inspection: Check the meter housing, connection and identification marks.
• Record readings: Note date, time and take photos.
• Compare consumption: Match old invoices with new values.
• Check consent: See whether the installation was announced as a modernization.

What Are Your Rights and Cost Questions?

Whether costs can be passed on and to what extent depends on tenancy law and the operating costs regulation; heating and consumption billing is also governed by the Heating Costs Ordinance^[3]. Modernization notices must be formally correct, and procedural rules of the Code of Civil Procedure apply for terminations or lawsuits^[2]. Concrete forms, such as termination letters or complaint filings, are provided by the Federal Ministry of Justice^[4].

How-To

1. Capture the meter reading: Note date and reading, take a photo and save the file.
2. Perform a visual inspection: Check that the connection is clean and undamaged.
3. Inform the landlord in writing: Send an informal notice with documentation and a deadline.
4. Set and observe deadlines: Give the landlord a reasonable period to respond.
5. Contact the local court: As a last resort, a claim at the competent local court may be necessary.

FAQ

May my landlord install a smart meter without my consent?

In principle, a landlord can carry out modernization measures, but installation and cost allocation are subject to legal rules; as a tenant you have rights to information and participation^[1].

Who pays for the smart meter?

Whether costs can be passed on depends on the type of measure and contractual agreements; relevant rules are in the BGB, the operating costs regulation and the Heating Costs Ordinance^[3].

What if the landlord does not respond?

Send a formal request with a deadline, document everything and consider legal action; claims are filed at the local court and the Code of Civil Procedure governs the process^[2].

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — Gesetze im Internet
• BMJ: Forms and templates

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — Gesetze im Internet
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice: Forms and templates