Submetering for Tenants in Germany: Rights
Submetering means separate measurement of consumption (e.g., heating, water, electricity) in a multi‑unit building. For tenants in Germany it is important to know how these individual meters affect the utility bill and what rights you have in case of incorrect invoices or unclear measurements. This article explains the legal basis, common problems with submetering, practical steps for checking and documenting, and examples of forms and deadlines. Tenants who systematically review bills can avoid unnecessary charges and enforce their claims securely. Read the steps, check your documents, and use the guidance on official forms and competent courts in Germany.
What is submetering?
Submetering means that individual flats or consumers are billed via separate sub‑meters. The aim is a consumption‑based allocation within the overall supply. For tenants this can seem fair but creates new verification tasks: meter readings, calibration validity, reading protocols and whether cost allocation is correct.
Rights and obligations of tenants and landlords
The basics of tenancy law are found in the BGB and in specific regulations such as the Heizkostenverordnung.[1][2] As a tenant you are entitled to a comprehensible operating cost statement; as a landlord you are obliged to provide proper accounting and, on request, reading protocols and consumption data.
- Request reading protocols and meter readings in writing (notice).
- Photograph meter readings at move‑in and move‑out; keep receipts (record).
- Compare amounts with previous years and check whether prepayments and actuals match (payment).
- Check whether the meters are calibrated and whether reading deadlines were observed (safety).
- Contact the landlord in writing if there are discrepancies and set a deadline for review (call).
How to spot an incorrect bill
Typical errors with submetering: wrong meter readings, incorrect conversion factors, double charging of overheads or missing reading explanations. A systematic check helps: recompute using the provided values and verify whether the allocation factors are transparently explained.
- Compare the stated meter readings with your photos or handover records (record).
- Compare consumption and cost shares with previous years or similar apartments (payment).
- Request explanations for conversion factors or measurement points (notice).
Concrete actions and deadlines
If you find discrepancies, act in a structured way: set a deadline, demand inspection, possibly announce reduced payment, and if necessary initiate legal action. Depending on the case, proceedings at the Amtsgericht may be required; many tenancy disputes start at the local court.
- Set a 14‑day deadline for correction or explanation (deadline).
- Send registered mail with return receipt when requesting inspection documents (notice).
- If no agreement, prepare a claim at the Amtsgericht using official claim forms (court).
FAQ
- Who pays for submetering?
- Generally landlords can pass on the costs for purchase and operation under the operating costs allocation if contractually agreed and the billing is transparent.
- What deadline do I have to check a bill?
- Check the bill promptly on receipt; formal objections should be made in writing within one to two months and, if in doubt, set a clear follow‑up deadline (e.g., 14 days).
- What if the landlord refuses inspection?
- Document the refusal, request the documents in writing and, if necessary, prepare to file a lawsuit. The competent first instance is usually the Amtsgericht.
How-To
- Photograph current meter readings and collect handover records (record).
- Request all reading protocols and calculation bases in writing (notice).
- Compare the bill to previous years and check prepayments (payment).
- Set a follow‑up deadline and, if necessary, prepare a claim submission at the Amtsgericht (court).
