Is it legal to change the water meter privately?

Legal analysis: it is illegal to change the water meter privately. The water meter should be a part of the house and belong to the owner. It is inappropriate for a property company to forcibly replace the water meter without permission. In case of alleged infringement, the owner has the right to request the property company to restore the water meter to its original state. According to the relevant laws and regulations, private legal property is protected by law, and any organization or individual is prohibited from occupying, looting or destroying it; Owners have the right to require construction units, property service enterprises or other managers and other owners to bear civil liability for violations of their legitimate rights and interests. Therefore, it is illegal to change the water meter without permission, and you can complain to the street office.

Legal basis: Civil Code of People's Republic of China (PRC).

Article 267 The lawful property of a private person is protected by law, and it is forbidden for any organization or individual to occupy, plunder or destroy it.

Article 287 The owner has the right to require the construction unit, the realty service enterprise or other managers and other owners to bear civil liability for acts that infringe upon their legitimate rights and interests.