Rent Control in Germany: Mietspiegel & Mietpreisbremse Explained
In many German cities, rent levels are partly regulated through Mietspiegel (local rent index) and Mietpreisbremse (rent brake). As a tenant or prospective tenant, it helps to know the basics.
What is the Mietspiegel?
The Mietspiegel is a local rent index that shows typical rents for:
Specific areas
Flat sizes
Building ages and equipment levels
It’s often used to:
Justify rent increases
Check whether a rent is within typical range for the area
What is the Mietpreisbremse (rent brake)?
In certain high-demand areas, rules may limit how much higher than the local reference rent a new contract’s rent can be, with some exceptions.
As a tenant, this may give you grounds to object if the rent is significantly above the permitted level. However, details and exceptions are complex and can change.
Practical use for tenants
You can:
Look up the Mietspiegel on your city’s official website
Compare your rent to typical levels
Seek advice if your rent appears extremely high for the category and area
Always get updated, local information and expert advice before starting any formal challenge.
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