Submetering for Tenants in Germany

Submetering describes the installation of individual consumption meters in an apartment or a building unit, which record electricity, heating or water separately. For tenants in Germany, submetering matters because it affects the utility billing (Nebenkostenabrechnung) and the correct allocation of consumption costs. This article explains clearly and practically which rights tenants have against their landlord, which legal foundations apply and which steps you can take if there are uncertainties or errors in the bill. You will also find examples, guidance on inspecting documents and concrete steps for contesting or clarifying bills so you can better control your utility costs and avoid unnecessary expenses. Read on for concrete checklists and templates.

What is Submetering?

Submetering (also: individual meters) refers to separate meters that record consumption in an apartment or housing unit. The goal is a more accurate allocation of consumption costs than with flat-rate distributions. Submeters can be electricity, heating or water meters and affect the operation cost billing.

Rights and Obligations

The fundamental rules for the tenancy agreement are found in the German Civil Code (BGB).^[1] Specific rules on the allocation of operating costs are set out in the German Ordinance on Operating Costs (BetrKV).^[2] For questions about heating cost billing, the Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) applies.^[3] Landlords must make the billing comprehensible and provide supporting documents upon request. Tenants have the right to inspect billing documents and check meter readings. If meters or measurement systems show unusual discrepancies, you should collect evidence and inform the landlord.

Practical Steps for Tenants

• Check the utility bill for individual line items (rent).
• Request supporting documents and meter readings in writing (document).
• Record your own meter readings and take photos as evidence (evidence).
• Send a formal objection by letter or email if you find errors (form).
• If necessary, prepare to file a claim at the local court (court).

FAQ

What does submetering mean for my utility bill?

Submetering can lead to consumption-based billing so you pay only for your actual consumption instead of shared flat-rate allocations.

Can the landlord install submetering without my consent?

Generally, a landlord can install meters if this is customary or contractually agreed; changes to the billing method must be transparent and must not unreasonably disadvantage tenants.

Which documents may I inspect?

You may inspect billing documents, including supplier invoices, meter-reading logs and the calculation basis for the operating cost statement.

How-To

1. Request documents: Ask your landlord in writing for all billing documents and meter-reading logs.
2. Verify readings: Compare the stated meter readings with your own notes and photos.
3. File an objection: Draft a precise objection with reasons and a deadline for correction.
4. Consider legal steps: If the landlord does not respond, consider bringing the matter to the local court or seeking legal advice.

Help & Support

• Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) on gesetze-im-internet.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Betriebskostenverordnung (BetrKV)
3. [3] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)