Interim Meter Readings: Tenants in Germany

For tenants in Germany, interim meter readings are an important step to ensure utility costs are billed correctly and to avoid disputes at move-out. Many landlords ask for photos as evidence; as a tenant you should act systematically: record the time and meter reading, take dated photos and confirm the reading in writing. If the landlord refuses the reading or later disputes it, formal letters, deadline notices and, if necessary, resolution at the local court can help. This article explains practical steps, which forms are useful, how to meet deadlines and what evidence is typically accepted in court so you can enforce your tenant rights effectively.

Preparing an interim meter reading

Clear documentation is central: record time, meter reading and meter condition in writing and photograph the reading from several angles. Keep copies and send a short confirmation to the landlord by email or registered mail.

• Take photos of the meter reading from multiple angles and note date and time.
• Send a written confirmation of the reading to the landlord, preferably by email with a read receipt or by registered mail.
• Keep track of deadlines for objections or supplementary reports and document them.
• If there are obvious measurement errors, secure photos and readings and ask the landlord for a recheck.

Which forms and template letters help?

There is no single nationwide official form just for interim readings, but standardized template letters are useful: for example, an informal confirmation letter to the landlord or a dunning letter if they refuse. For terminations or other formal steps there are templates from the Federal Ministry of Justice and similar authorities that you can adapt.^[3]

Legal basis and court procedure

German tenancy law in the BGB governs landlord and tenant duties, in particular regarding operating costs and maintenance; relevant provisions include §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] For formal disputes, the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) governs claims and proceedings.^[2]

1. Step 1: Send a written request to the landlord asking them to confirm the reading and set a deadline.
2. Step 2: Allow the deadline to pass; keep records of deadlines and proof of sending.
3. Step 3: If there is no response, consider formal options and court action at the local court.

FAQ

Who must carry out the interim reading?

In principle the landlord can arrange the reading; tenants should actively document and take photos to avoid later disputes.

Are smartphone photos sufficient as evidence?

Yes, well-documented photos with date and possibly time are generally accepted as evidence if you also have supporting information and proof of sending.

Which deadlines are important?

Set a clear deadline for confirmation of the reading (e.g. 14 days) and document sending and receipt; statutory deadlines for court steps apply under the ZPO.

How-To

1. Photograph the meter reading: take at least two clear photos and note date and time.
2. Write a confirmation: send the landlord an email with the data and the photos attached.
3. Set a deadline: give a reasonable deadline for response and document sending.
4. If refused: consider formal steps and the route to the local court.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic documentation with photos protects you from later billing disputes.
• Observe deadlines and keep proof of sending to maintain your rights.
• Template letters help standardize communication and secure your legal position.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)