Meter Readings 2025: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, correctly recording meter readings for 2025 is important to ensure heating and service charges are billed fairly. This guide explains in plain terms how to document meter readings correctly, which deadlines apply for readings and what rights you have if statements are missing or questionable. You will learn how to create reading protocols, use photo evidence and which official legal bases like the BGB and the Heating Costs Ordinance are relevant. We also provide practical templates for filing objections and explain which courts handle disputes. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, FAQ and official links.

How to collect meter readings

Always record meter readings completely: meter number, date, time and reading. To be safe, photograph the meter with the date (a smartphone photo with timestamp is often sufficient) and add a short protocol with your name. If an external reading service comes, request a reading protocol or note the data yourself immediately. Many billing disputes can be avoided with clear documentation.^[1]

Practical checklist

• Record the date and time of each reading.
• Photograph meter readings including the meter number.
• Create a simple reading protocol with a signature.
• Report irregularities immediately to the landlord or property manager.

If the landlord or service provider does not perform a reading, request a reading in writing or submit the readings yourself before the next billing cycle. Document all communications by e-mail or registered mail.

What to do with incorrect bills

Check heating and service charge statements carefully: do the billed consumption values match your records? If in doubt, request the receipts and reading protocols from the landlord. The BGB regulates landlord obligations for proper billing, and the Heating Costs Ordinance explains how heating costs must be allocated.^[1][2]

FAQ

Who has to read meters?

In many cases the landlord arranges the reading; tenants may be asked to report readings themselves. Keep your own records to document discrepancies.

What deadlines apply for objections to service charge statements?

After receiving the statement, you should check it promptly and raise objections with the landlord within twelve months; in individual cases a shorter deadline may be appropriate.

Which court handles billing disputes?

Tenancy disputes are usually handled first by the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances are the regional court (Landgericht) and ultimately the Federal Court of Justice.

How-To

1. Preparation: Have meter numbers and a small notebook or app ready.
2. Reading: Record date, time and reading and take a photo.
3. Documentation: Write a reading protocol and send a copy to the property manager if needed.
4. If problems arise: Request receipts and file a written objection if necessary.

Help & Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) overview on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – information and decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Heizkostenverordnung (HeizKV) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de