Submetering & Radio Readings 2025: Tenants Germany
Many tenants in Germany wonder how submetering and radio readings in 2025 will affect service charge statements. This text explains in plain language which rights tenants have, which duties landlords must fulfill and what steps you as a tenant can take if radio readings or a new meter change your heating or hot water costs. We list the relevant legal bases in the BGB and the regulations, show typical dispute points in statements and give practical tips for checking the statement, documentation and communication with the landlord. At the end you will find a short guide for possible court steps and official contact points in Germany. The guide is practical and written for tenants without a legal background.
What is submetering and radio readings?
Submetering means that consumption values for individual apartments or users are measured with separate meters. Radio reading describes the automatic reading of these meters by radio. Since 2025, technology, data protection questions and disputes over allocation keys and duties to cooperate have increased in prominence. Measurement obligations and billing rules follow legal requirements such as the Heating Costs Ordinance and the Operating Costs Ordinance.[2][3]
Rights and duties of tenants
Principally, tenancy law in the BGB regulates the duties of landlord and tenant, such as maintenance and proper billing of operating costs.[1] Tenants have the right to inspect vouchers and reading protocols; landlords must provide comprehensible allocation keys and documentation. With radio reading, data protection and access rules must be observed.
- Collect all reading protocols, photos and invoices as evidence (evidence).
- Request the reading results, allocation keys and annual statement from the landlord in writing (form).
- Check individual cost items that concern your payment obligation and, if necessary, recalculate (rent).
- Observe deadlines: objections to the service charge statement should be made within the usual review periods (deadlines).
Practical steps to check a statement
Start with formal points: date, billing period, name of the reading service and the allocation keys used. Compare meter readings with values you documented. If there are anomalies, request an explanation and possibly correction. If the dispute remains, you can pay the amount under reservation and consider legal steps.
When does the court help?
If landlords refuse proof or the statement remains incorrect, going to the local court is an option. Tenancy claims are initially examined civilly; many disputes are within the jurisdiction of the Amtsgericht, with higher instances being the Landgericht and Bundesgerichtshof for legal questions and precedents.
FAQ
- 1. Do I have to accept radio readings as a tenant?
- Generally yes, if submetering billing is agreed in the lease or by procedural provisions; however, data protection and information obligations still apply.
- 2. What can I demand from the landlord?
- You can demand access to reading protocols, allocation keys and invoices and ask for a clear explanation.
- 3. What do I do if the bill seems wrong?
- Collect evidence, request written explanations, pay possibly under reservation and consider legal advice or a lawsuit at the local court.
How-To
- Step 1: Check documentation and collect evidence (evidence).
- Step 2: Send a written request to the landlord and set a deadline (form).
- Step 3: Seek advice or apply for legal aid; if the conflict persists, consider suing at the local court (contact).
Key Takeaways
- Keep reading records organized so you have proof ready.
- Respond to statements within deadlines and request written explanations.
