phy - stock.adobe.comthe essentials in brief
- The Heating Costs Ordinance (HKVO) obliges landlords in Germany to replace all measuring devices for recording heating energy and hot water consumption in multi-family buildings with remotely readable devices by December 31, 2026.
- From January 1, 2027, only remotely readable devices may be operated, provided they serve the purpose of recording consumption in accordance with the HKVO.
- Furthermore, landlords must provide their tenants with monthly consumption information.
- These obligations generally apply to buildings with central heating or hot water supply and two or more residential units.
- Those who miss the deadline for upgrading to remotely readable metering technology risk rent reductions from tenants.
Why is remote meter reading mandatory?
The German Heating Costs Ordinance was amended on December 1, 2021. The changes transpose the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) into German law. The aim is transparent, consumption-based billing and improved energy efficiency in existing buildings.
Key points of the HKVO amendment:
- Remotely readable measuring devices have been mandatory for new construction and replacement since December 1, 2021.
- Existing older devices (e.g., heat cost allocators with evaporation tubes) that cannot be read remotely must be replaced by December 31, 2026 be replaced.
- From January 1, 2027, only remotely readable measuring devices may be used for recording consumption.
Which devices are affected?
The obligation applies to all devices used for consumption-based metering of heat and hot water:
- Heat cost allocator
- Heat meters for central heating systems or apartment stations
- Hot water meter
As part of the modernization, Minol is upgrading all its measuring equipment to remotely readable technology.
Communication Consultants GmbH
Stock 4 You – stock.adobe.comUpgrade to radio now!
According to the current Heating Costs Ordinance (HKVO), all metering equipment must be converted to remotely readable metering technology by the end of 2026.
Request your individual, non-binding offer from Brunata Minol now.
Why remote reading via radio?
- No manual reading on site by residents or service providers is required.
- Monthly consumption information can be provided to tenants.
- High data accuracy and audit-proof documentation
Who is required to retrofit?
In principle, all building owners, landlords and homeowners' associations (HOAs) are obliged to equip their properties with remotely readable measuring devices if
- a central heating or hot water supply system is present and
- Usage units (e.g. apartments) are connected to this system (this applies from two units onwards, provided that the landlord does not live in any of them himself).
exceptions
- Single-family houses and two-family houses in which the landlord himself lives in an apartment are generally not subject to the equipment requirements of the HKVO.
- Buildings with decentralized supply, e.g. gas-fired central heating systems or separate hot water generators in each apartment, are exempt from the obligation, as there is no communal consumption recording in these cases.
- In addition, exceptions may exist if individual devices are part of a larger system that cannot be technically retrofitted, or if retrofitting would be unreasonably costly.
- Note: Even owners' associations that do not have any tenancy agreements themselves must implement remote meter reading if there is a communal heating or hot water supply – the HKVO applies here to the system, not to the tenancy agreement.
What happens if the obligation is not fulfilled?
According to § 12 HKVO, tenants may reduce their share of the consumption-based costs:
- 3% reduction if no remotely readable measuring devices were installed,
- A further 3% reduction will be applied if monthly consumption information is missing or incomplete.
These reduction rights can be applied cumulatively.
Interim consumption information (uVI): Obligation to be transparent
If a building is equipped with remotely readable meters, landlords must provide monthly interim consumption information (uVI). This includes:
- consumption in the previous month (in kilowatt hours),
- the comparison to the corresponding month of the previous year,
- the comparison to the average user.
nikkimeel – AdobestockImplementing the interim consumption information (uVI): With the B.One eMonitoring
The digital tool simplifies administration, increases energy efficiency and thus supports compliance with legal requirements.
Can the costs be passed on to tenants?
- Equipment rentalOngoing rental costs for remotely readable devices can be passed on as operating costs if the rental agreement provides for this.
- Purchase: The landlord generally bears the acquisition costs. Direct allocation as operating costs is not permitted.
Practical implementation: Timeline and steps for landlords
- Inventory: What measuring instruments are available?
- Planning: Which devices need to be replaced or retrofitted?
- Engage a service provider: Obtain a quote from Minol early and secure appointments.
- Communication: Inform tenants about the conversion and consumption information.
- Documentation: Keep records of installation and data provisioning.
Stock 4 You – stock.adobe.comUpgrade to radio now!
According to the current Heating Costs Ordinance (HKVO), all metering equipment must be converted to remotely readable metering technology by the end of 2026.
Request your individual, non-binding offer from Brunata Minol now.
Author
Tobias Ellinger | Leiter Produktmanagement & Projekte Minol Messtechnik W. Lehmann GmbH & Co. KG
InsideCreativeHouse – AdobestockAlways up to date
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