Tenants: Secure Interim Meter Readings in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, a clear interim meter reading helps avoid later disputes about billing, operating costs or heating charges. This guide shows practically how to record meter readings correctly, take photos as evidence and create a simple documentation that can also hold up in court. The steps are designed for typical tenancies and explain how to schedule appointments, which evidence is helpful and how to handle formal notes like handover protocols. Read the checklist, follow the instructions and use the templates and official references at the end of the text.

What is an interim meter reading and why it matters

An interim meter reading records meter values between regular billing periods or for special events (e.g. handover, tenant change). It helps allocate consumption correctly and avoid later claims. In disputes about bills, documented meter readings and photos can serve as evidence, for example for heating or water costs ^[1].

Preparation checklist

• Agree an appointment with the landlord or property manager (appointment).
• Note meter readings and immediately take photos (photo) of the meter and the meter number.
• Document date and time (time) on each photo and in the notebook.
• Prepare a handover protocol or short letter (form) and have it signed by both parties.
• Keep a digital copy and send it by email with read receipt.

How to take photos

For photos: sharp images, meter number and display clearly legible, date/time visible (or written next to it). Take at least two photos: one of the meter cabinet and one close-up of the display. Save images with clear file names (e.g. "meter_apartmentnr_2025-09-07.jpg").

Example short handover protocol

• Record date, time, address and participants.
• Note meter reading with unit (kWh, m³) and photo reference.
• Signatures of both parties remove doubts about authenticity.

FAQ

What should I document during an interim meter reading?

Note the meter reading, date, time, meter number and take photos of the meter and its surroundings.

Can I use photos as evidence in court?

Yes, photos with clear date or time stamps and supporting written documentation can be used as evidence; in a dispute the local court follows the rules of the ZPO ^[2].

What if the landlord disputes the reading?

Send the documentation by registered mail or email with read receipt and keep copies; in persistent disputes, resolution at the local court (Amtsgericht) is possible ^[2].

How-To

1. Schedule: agree date and time and confirm (appointment).
2. On site: read meters, take photos (photo) and note meter number.
3. Fill out a handover protocol and have it signed (form).
4. Send documentation digitally and record where it is stored (deliver).

What to do in case of dispute or claim

If the landlord later raises claims or doubts the reading, check your records and refer to your documentation and the relevant tenancy law provisions in the BGB ^[1]. Procedural matters are decided in first instance by the local court (Amtsgericht) and the rules of civil procedure (ZPO) apply ^[2]. Relevant Federal Court (BGH) case law may apply for complex issues ^[3].

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
• [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
• [4] Forms and Service — Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de
4. [4] Forms and Service — Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)