Submetering Checklist for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, submetering can cause confusion in utility billing. This guide helps you understand when you can expect a reimbursement, which documents matter and which deadlines apply. You will learn how to compare meter readings, check calculations and respond formally to discrepancies. The steps are practical and designed for tenants without legal expertise; terms are explained in plain language so you can act confidently. We name the relevant provisions in the BGB and the heating cost regulation and give practical wording tips for letters to your landlord. At the end you will find a short FAQ, a step-by-step guide and pointers to where to find official forms and court information.

What is submetering?

Submetering means that individual flats are billed via separate submeters for electricity, hot water or heating. Submetering can provide precise consumption values, but billing must comply with legal requirements and be transparent ^[2][3].

Checklist: Check reimbursement

• Collect documents (documents): invoices, submeter readings, handover protocols and photos as evidence.
• Compare readings (record): match current submeter readings against the main building meter and previous bills.
• Verify calculation (refund): check whether distribution keys and prices were applied correctly.
• Prepare letter/form (form): send a formal request to the landlord to correct the bill and set a deadline.
• Observe deadlines (deadline): object or request correction within a reasonable deadline to avoid losing rights.
• Consider court action (court): if the landlord does not respond, filing suit at the local court may be necessary ^[1][4].

Forms and deadlines

There is no single federal "submetering reimbursement form"; a simple written letter specifying the claim and deadline is often sufficient. Procedural and contractual rules are governed by the BGB and the ZPO; provisions on tenancy and billing are found in the BGB ^[1]. In your letter state the requested amount or correction, provide a deadline (e.g. 14 days) and propose a meeting to clarify.

FAQ

What can I do if the bill seems incorrect?

First check evidence and meter readings, request a written explanation and set a deadline for correction.

Which regulations apply?

Relevant rules include tenancy provisions in the BGB and the Betriebskostenverordnung and the heating cost regulation for consumption billing ^[2][3].

Which court is competent?

Rental disputes are typically handled by the local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court and ultimately to the BGH.

How-To

1. Organize documents (documents): gather invoices, meter readings and photos in one file.
2. Check meter readings (record): record current values and compare them with the bill.
3. Recalculate billing (refund): run a sample calculation or request a detailed breakdown.
4. Send a written request (form): demand correction or reimbursement with a clear deadline, e.g. 14 days.
5. Consider legal action (court): if the landlord does not respond, consider filing a claim at the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Secure all evidence immediately.
• Verify calculations against contractual distribution keys.
• Set clear written deadlines when requesting corrections.

Help and Support

• Gesetze im Internet — Federal law
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Heating cost regulation (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — case information