Tenants: Meter Readings & Photo Check in Germany
Many tenants in Germany face the challenge of preparing interim meter readings for electricity, gas or water and enforcing evidence without a lawyer. This article explains step by step how to document an interim reading, when photos suffice as evidence and which forms or deadlines matter. You will learn about your rights under the BGB, how to communicate with the landlord and when the local court is responsible. Practical templates, checklists and references to official forms are explained so you can act safely without legal expertise. At the end you will find FAQ, a how-to guide and official links to authorities and courts in Germany.
Preparing interim meter readings
Before the interim reading it helps to check the legal basics briefly and collect evidence in an organized way. Refer to your rights under the BGB[1] and note dates and conditions before changes occur.
- Set a deadline (deadline): Document the appointment and exact time, e.g. "within 14 days"
- Take photos (evidence): Photograph meter readings, meter numbers and the date from several angles
- Secure documents (document): Have old statements, the rental contract and handover records ready
- Prepare forms (form): Fill out a defect notice or handover protocol as a template
- Inform the landlord (contact): Notify in writing by email or registered mail so there is proof
Store photo files with date and location information.
Forms & templates
Typical letters tenants use include a termination letter (template), a defect notice or a handover protocol. Such templates help set clear deadlines and document claims. Legal bases for obligations and defect rights are in the BGB[1] and for ancillary costs in the Heizkostenverordnung[3].
- Termination letter (BMJ template): For cases where formal withdrawal or contract termination is needed
- Defect notice / damage report (form): Request remediation within a set deadline in writing
- Handover and evidence protocol (evidence): Collect meter readings, photos and, if possible, witness signatures
Send important letters preferably by registered mail with return receipt.
Rights & legal steps
If the landlord does not respond to documentation, you can assert rights. Minor tenancy disputes are usually handled by the competent local court; procedural rules are found in the ZPO[2]. For complex legal issues, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice are relevant[4].
- Preserve evidence (evidence): Photos, protocols and witnesses
- Send a written request (form): Ask the landlord to remedy defects within a clear deadline
- Involve the local court (court): File for clarification at the Amtsgericht if out-of-court resolution fails
- Protect against unjust claims (safety): Keep receipts to contest unwarranted deductions
FAQ
- Who pays for an interim meter reading?
- Usually the contractual parties bear costs according to the rental agreement; statutory duties on operating costs are regulated in the BGB and related ordinances.[1]
- Are photos sufficient as evidence for meter readings?
- Yes, well-documented photos with date, meter number and context are often sufficient if they are verifiable and unaltered.
- When is the local court competent?
- For tenancy disputes in first instance, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible; proceedings follow the ZPO.[2]
How-To
- Set the appointment: Agree on a specific time for the interim reading
- Document: Photograph the meter and surroundings, note meter numbers and time
- Send a letter: Dispatch a template letter or defect notice by email and registered mail
- Court action if needed: Submit evidence to the local court if out-of-court settlement fails
Help and Support / Resources
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de
