Submetering for Tenants in Germany - Checklist

Submetering means that individual consumption units (e.g. heating or electricity) are recorded with separate intermediate meters instead of being billed via the overall system. For tenants in Germany this matters because it can create consumption-based fairness, transparency and potential savings. Read when you as a tenant can request a detailed consumption statement, which legal bases play a role and which evidence or forms you should have ready so that ancillary costs and the operating cost statement can be checked correctly.

What is submetering?

Submetering records consumption at the apartment level using separate meters or sensors. Landlords can thus allocate heating or hot water costs individually. For tenants this means: you can see your actual consumption and reconcile it with your own meter readings. Legal requirements for allocation and billing influence whether and how costs may be applied^[1].

When can tenants demand submetering?

• If the lease or house rules include provisions on installation or reading of meters.
• If meter readings, calibration validity and reading protocols can be presented or verified.
• If submetering could change the operating cost statement and you want a consumption-based bill.
• If deadlines for objections to the operating cost statement are running; respond within the set time.

Forms and authorities

There is no uniform mandatory "submetering form." Relevant official templates are legal sample letters and court forms for lawsuits or declarations; one example is sample termination letters or templates for civil procedure filings at the local court. Use templates only as orientation and attach concrete measurement data and protocols. For questions about distribution of heating costs the provisions of the Heating Cost Ordinance must also be observed^[2].

Practical steps for tenants

• Check the lease in writing for provisions on meters and billing.
• Collect evidence: meter photos, reading lists and previous operating cost statements.
• Set a written deadline for the landlord to explain or correct the bill.
• If no agreement is reached, consider lawsuit or collection proceedings at the competent local court.

FAQ

Can my landlord introduce submetering without informing me?

No. Technical changes and reading rules affect the tenancy and should be contractually agreed or announced; often a written agreement or information is required.

Who pays for installation and calibration of submetering?

The cost allocation depends on the lease and the type of agreement; it cannot be answered in general. Check whether landlords may allocate costs as operating expenses.

What can I do if the bill appears incorrect?

Write a detailed objection to the landlord, attach evidence and set a deadline. If there is no response, you can consider legal steps or contact the local court.

How-To

1. Check the lease in writing for provisions on meters and billing.
2. Collect evidence: meter photos, reading lists and previous operating cost statements.
3. Formulate a written request with a deadline for correction or explanation of the bill.
4. If no agreement is reached, consider legal action or collection proceedings at the competent local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB: Duties of the landlord (§ 535)
• Heating Cost Ordinance (HeizKV)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - case law on tenancy

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Pflichten des Vermieters (§ 535)
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Zuständigkeit und Entscheidungen