Replacing the water meter in the apartment: When is it mandatory, who pays for it and how to do it

"Mr. Landlord, the sticker on the water meter is valid until 2019. Is that even still legal?" – When you get this message from the tenant, it's usually too late for convenient planning. Changing water meters is one of those responsibilities that is easily forgotten, but neglecting them can have unpleasant consequences.

In this article, we will look at everything you need to know as a landlord: when you need to change your water meter, how much it costs, who pays for it and how to handle the whole process stress-free.

Why do water meters have to be changed at all

The water meter is not forever. It is a precise measuring device that loses accuracy over time. And an inaccurate water meter means problems - either you pay for more water than you used, or vice versa (and then it looks like fraud).

Reasons for regular replacement:

• Wear of mechanical parts - Paddle wheel and bearings wear down
• Deposits in pipes - Scale and rust affect accuracy
• Legal requirement - Ordinance sets a maximum time use
• Measurement accuracy – The old water meter often measures less than it flows

Validation periods: When you MUST replace the water meter

Each specified measuring instrument has a verification period under the current metrology rules and UNMZ schedule. Check the instrument's exact category and use before replacing it:

Instrument type	Current verification rule
Water, heat and proportional instruments	Check the current UNMZ period for the exact instrument category and billing use

Important: The term runs from the date of verification, not from installation. On the water meter you will find a sticker with the year and month until which it is valid.

What happens after the expiry of the period

After the applicable verification period expires, the device may no longer be usable for direct billing in the same way. Follow the current metrology and service-billing rules, including any prescribed fallback calculation; do not treat the whole settlement as automatically void.

• Fine from CMI – The Czech Metrological Institute can issue a sanction of up to 1 million Kč

In practice, these fines are more often issued for commercial buildings, but the risk exists.

What are your options: Exchange vs. verification

Option 1: Complete replacement of the water meter

How it works: The old water meter is dismantled and replaced with a new one (or a refurbished one with a valid verification).

Advantages:

• Fast – 15-30 minutes of work
• New meter = reliable meter
• Mostly cheaper than verification

Costs:

• Water meter: Kč 200–600
• Installer’s work: Kč 300–800
• Total: Kč 500–1,400 per meter

Option 2: Calibration (verification) of the existing water meter

How it works: The water meter is dismantled, sent to authorized testing facility, where it is checked and possibly adjusted.

Advantages:

• Preservation of the original meter
• Sometimes cheaper with more expensive types

Disadvantages:

• Longer time (days to weeks)
• Necessity of replacement measurement
• The meter does not have to pass

Costs:

• Verification: Kč 150–400
• Plumber’s work (2x – disassembly and assembly): Kč 600–1,600
• Total: Kč 750–2,000

Verdict: For common residential water meters, it is almost always worth replacing them with a new meter.

Who pays for replacing the water meter

This is a frequent source of disputes, so let's make it clear:

Rule: The owner (lessor) pays

The water meter is part of the apartment/house and its maintenance falls under the responsibilities of the property owner. The lessor therefore pays:

• Purchase of a new water meter
• Plumber's work
• Possible verification

Exception: If the tenant damaged the water meter (e.g. by unauthorized handling), he pays for the repair/replacement.

Can the costs be transferred to the tenant?

NO - The replacement of water meters cannot be included in the services nor to the repair fund charged to tenants. It is a capital expenditure of the owner.

YES – You can offset the cost gradually by increasing the rent (if it makes economic sense).

How to plan to replace water meters

Step 1: Map the status of the meters

Create an overview of all water meters:

• Production number
• Type (SV/TUV)
• Validity date tag
• Location

Step 2: Schedule your exchange in advance

Ideally 2-3 months before expiration. Reasons:

• Time to choose a supplier
• Reserve for coordination with tenants
• Possibility of group discount for multiple meters

Step 3: Communication with the tenants

Inform the tenants in writing at least one week in advance:

• Date and approximate time
• That the water supply will need to be interrupted (max. 30-60 minutes)
• Name and contact of the plumber

Step 4: Reading the old meter

Before dismantling, read the old water meter. This is necessary for the continuity of records.

Step 5: Exchange documentation

After the exchange, save:

• Exchange report
• Copy of the verification sheet of the new meter
• Photo documentation
• Manufacturing number of the new meter

Step 6: Updating the records

Enter the new water meter in your records:

• New production number number
• Date of validity of the label
• Initial status

How to choose the right water meter

Types of residential water meters

Dry-running water meter

• Meter separated from water by a magnetic coupling
• Better readability, longer service life
• More expensive (300-600 Kč)

Wet-running water meter

• Meter in contact with water
• Simpler construction, cheaper
• Less durable (150–300 Kč)

What to focus on

Accuracy class

• Class B (horizontal) or C (vertical installation) is sufficient for residential measurement

Flow rate

• Qn 1.5 m³/h for ordinary apartment
• Qn 2.5 m³/h for larger apartments or commercials

Type of connection

• Check the thread (most often 1/2" or 3/4")
• Measure the length of the building

Remote reading

• Consider a water meter with pulse output or radio module for future automation

Common problems and how solve

Problem: The tenant refuses to let the plumber in

Solution:

• Notify in writing of the legal obligation
• Suggest alternative terms
• In the extreme case, it is a reason to terminate the tenancy agreement

Problem: It is not possible to close the water supply

Solution:

• Older houses have taps that "have grown"
• Have the plumber replace/repair the cap at the same time
• If necessary, close the main supply for the entire building (coordinate with others)

Problem: The water meter has "disappeared"

Solution:

• Check if it has been moved during the reconstruction
• Check if the tenant has not removed it
• Document and claim compensation

Problem: Discrepancy in reading after replacement

Solution:

• Compare the final status of the old and the initial status of the new meter
• Check whether the meters have been confused
• Documentation of the exchange should include both status

Tax and accounting aspects

Depreciation or one-time cost?

Water meter up to 80,000 Kč (which is all residential water meters):

• You will bill as a direct cost
• You will apply in the year of purchase

Tip: With a larger number of exchanges, you can consider activation as a technical evaluation, but it is usually not worthwhile.

Tax documents

Keep:

• Invoices for water meters and work
• Exchange protocols
• Records of meters with replacement dates

Automation of records of replacements

Manually monitoring the calibration dates of dozens of meters is a recipe for chaos. Property management software can help you:

• Automatic alerts - Before the label expires
• All meter records - In one place
• Reading history - Link to billing
• Documents - Logs and verification sheets

Summary: Water meter replacement checklist

Before by exchange:

• [ ] Check the validity date of the label
• [ ] Select a supplier/installer
• [ ] Inform the tenant (at least 7 days in advance)
• [ ] Prepare records for the new meter

When exchanging:

• [ ] Read the status of the old water meter
• [ ] Check the serial number of the new one
• [ ] Enter the initial status of the new meters
• [ ] Take photo documentation
• [ ] Get protocol and verification sheet

After replacement:

• [ ] Update meter records
• [ ] Save documents
• [ ] Set reminder for next replacement

Replacing a water meter is not difficult, but it needs to be planned. With good organization and records, you won't be surprised by any deadline.

> Czech-law scope and editorial note: Legal, tax, accounting, tenancy, service-charge, condominium, metrology, insurance and data-protection statements in this article refer to the Czech Republic and the rules effective for the relevant date. Figures and examples are illustrative, not legal or tax advice. Verify current rules with the relevant Czech authority or a qualified adviser.

> Metrology and heat clarification: Verification periods depend on the instrument type and current UNMZ rule. Heat allocation uses the current Czech decree and may use a 40%, 50% or 60% basic component according to building energy performance, with possible adjustments; hot-water allocation is separate. Do not treat a 30/70 or ±20% statement as universal.