Tenant Evidence: Interim Meter Readings in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, you should carefully prepare interim meter readings for electricity, gas and water meters and document them as secure evidence. This protects you from incorrect back-charges and simplifies final billing at move-out or ownership change. In this guide I explain which photos, protocols and forms are helpful, which deadlines matter and how to gather official proof. We show step by step how to organize appointments, which details must appear in the reading record and which authorities or courts are responsible in disputes. The instructions are written in plain language so you as a tenant can defend your rights and avoid costly disputes in Germany. If needed, you will also find sample forms and instructions for official procedures.

What is an interim meter reading and why document it?

An interim meter reading is the recorded capture of the current meter reading between regular billing periods. For tenants it is important to avoid later back-charges; statutory duties and rights related to operating cost accounting are regulated in the BGB ^[1].

Preparation: What to collect?

• Photos of the meter reading and immediate surroundings as evidence
• Clearly document date and time of the reading
• Written reading protocol with meter number and measured value
• Record contact details of witnesses (name, phone)
• If available: obtain landlord's form or confirmation and have it signed
• If access is required by third parties: note reason, person and time
• When moving: record meter readings at handover and have both parties sign

Forms and authorities

For formal steps—such as when a billing disagreement arises—official forms and procedures exist. A payment order can be applied for via the justice form service; for legal basics refer to the BGB Justice form service and the statutory rules in the BGB BGB §535 et seq.^[1].

What to do in a dispute: steps and deadlines

1. Check the bill immediately on receipt and note response deadlines
2. Gather all evidence (photos, protocols, witness statements) and keep copies safe
3. Send a formal reply to the landlord requesting correction within a deadline
4. If no agreement is reached, check local court jurisdiction and review relevant case law of the BGH^[3]

FAQ

Am I required to perform interim readings as a tenant?

You are not generally obliged to read meters between billing periods, but keeping your own record protects you against later back-charges.

Which pieces of evidence are strongest?

Photos with date/time, a signed reading protocol and witness statements are particularly strong.

Which court handles rental disputes?

Most rental disputes are handled by the local court (Amtsgericht); higher appeals go to the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[3].

How-To

1. Set a fixed appointment for the reading and note date and time
2. Take photos of the meter from several angles including the meter number
3. Complete a short reading form (date, time, meter number, value, signature of any witness)
4. Send a copy to the landlord by email and keep the sent receipt as proof
5. In case of disagreement: submit collected evidence to the competent court or legal advisor

Key takeaways

• Early, clear documentation prevents many disputes.
• Use official forms where appropriate and keep copies.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — official site
• Justice form service — federal forms

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de