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∑Summatio

Rent Increase Calculator

Calculate the maximum permissible rent increase under German tenancy law. Including rent cap, comparable rent, and rent brake regulations.

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EUR
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months ago

No

Maximum Permissible Rent

€840.00

Increase of €40.00 possible.

Absolute Comparable Rent
€840.00
Rent Cap (20%)
€20.00
Max. Increase
5.0%

Related Calculators

Rent Increases Under German Tenancy Law

German tenancy law protects tenants from excessive rent increases through clear legal regulations. A rent increase is only permissible up to the local comparable rent and is subject to the so-called rent cap (Kappungsgrenze). This limits the increase to a maximum of 20 percent within three years. In tight housing markets, a stricter cap of 15 percent applies. The landlord must justify the increase in writing and grant the tenant a consideration period before the new rent takes effect.

How the Calculation Works

Our calculator first checks whether the mandatory waiting period of at least 15 months since the last increase has been observed. It then calculates the local comparable rent based on the living area and compares it with the current base rent. The increase is limited by two thresholds: it may neither exceed the comparable rent nor violate the rent cap. The lower of the two values determines the maximum permissible new rent.

Comparable Rent and Rent Index

The local comparable rent reflects the typical rental prices for similar apartments in the municipality. Many cities publish a qualified rent index (Mietspiegel) that serves as the basis for rent increases. Factors such as location, size, amenities, and year of construction are considered when determining the comparable rent. If the current rent already meets or exceeds the comparable rent, no increase is possible.

Rent Brake and Rent Cap

The rent brake (Mietpreisbremse) was introduced to limit the rise of rents in areas with tight housing markets. It primarily affects new leases but also influences existing tenancies because the rent cap is reduced from 20 to 15 percent. Whether an area is classified as a tight housing market is determined by the respective state government through an ordinance. Typically, major cities and popular university towns are affected by these regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Under German law, a landlord may increase rent no sooner than 15 months after the tenant moves in or after the last rent increase. There must be at least 12 months between two increases. The increase must be justified in writing, for example by referencing the local rent index, an expert appraisal, or comparable apartments.
The rent cap limits rent increases to a maximum of 20 percent within three years. In areas with tight housing markets, the cap can be lowered to 15 percent. The rent cap applies regardless of how high the local comparable rent is.
The local comparable rent reflects the typical rents for similar apartments in the municipality. It is often published in the city's official rent index (Mietspiegel). Factors such as location, size, amenities, and year of construction are taken into account. The rent may only be increased up to the level of the comparable rent.
The rent brake applies in areas with tight housing markets and limits the permissible rent for new leases to a maximum of 10 percent above the local comparable rent. It does not apply to new constructions or after comprehensive modernization. The rent brake also indirectly influences the level of possible rent increases in existing tenancies.
The tenant has a consideration period until the end of the second month after receiving the increase request. They are only obliged to agree if the increase is formally correct and complies with the legal limits. If the increase is unjustified, the tenant may refuse consent. The landlord would then have to file a lawsuit for approval.

All calculations are for general informational purposes only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. No guarantee of accuracy. Use at your own risk. Full disclaimer