Tenants in Germany: Smart Meter Costs in Old Buildings

What tenants should do now

First check whether your landlord is trying to classify smart meter installation costs as chargeable operating costs or as modernization costs. Relevant legal provisions are found in the BGB (especially regarding duties and costs) ^[1]. Request a written breakdown of costs and note installation and measurement data, manufacturer information and the date of notification.

Which evidence is important?

• Meter reading photos with date and time as evidence.
• Invoices and statements from the landlord or the metering operator.
• Written communications (emails, letters) announcing the installation and costs.
• Comparative offers or expert reports if modernization costs are claimed.

Forms and official steps

There is no special official form just for smart meter issues; in disputes you can use formal letters: a written request for a cost breakdown by registered mail, an objection to an operating cost statement and, if necessary, an application for legal aid at the local court. For billing and heating cost questions pay attention to the Heating Costs Ordinance ^[2].

Deadlines, court and support

Respond within the usual deadlines to statements (usually 12 months for operating cost statements) and watch deadlines for modernization notices. If an agreement with the landlord cannot be reached, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for tenancy disputes ^[3]. Before filing suit, check advisory assistance and legal aid and document every step carefully.

FAQ

Who pays for the smart meter installation?

It depends on the contractual agreement and legal classification: allocation as operating costs is rare; often it is modernization costs, which are treated differently.

Which documents do I need to dispute costs?

Photos of the meter, invoices from the metering operator, landlord announcements and all written correspondence are decisive.

When should I go to court?

If an agreement is not possible and the dispute concerns payment or eviction, the local court can be contacted; consider advisory services and legal aid first.

How-To

1. Collect all evidence: photos, invoices, emails and announcements.
2. Record the date and time of meter readings and installation.
3. Send a formal request to the landlord with a deadline for the cost breakdown.
4. Wait for a response; set a reasonable follow-up deadline of e.g. 14 days.
5. If no solution: seek legal advice and consider filing at the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Keep meter photos and invoices organized immediately.
• Request a detailed cost breakdown from the landlord in writing.
• Documentation often matters more than verbal agreements.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — statutory text
• [2] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — statutory text
• [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — statutory text

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV)
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)