Quick Answer
- What it is:
- Tenant Rights — Rent Increase & Deposit — a housing procedure in Germany.
- Deadline:
- 180 days
- Steps:
- 5 steps
- Cost:
- EUR 90
- Documents:
- 5 required
- Legal basis:
- BGB §535-580a
Important Deadlines
Landlord must return deposit within 6 months
Nebenkostenabrechnung must be sent within 12 months
Rent increase: 15-month minimum between increases
Required Documents
- ✓Rental contract (Mietvertrag)
- ✓Rent increase letter from landlord
- ✓Nebenkostenabrechnung (utility bill)
- ✓Local Mietspiegel (rent index) for comparison
- ✓Payment receipts/bank statements
Step-by-Step Guide
Know your deposit rights: maximum 3 months cold rent (Kaltmiete). Must be held in a separate interest-bearing account.
Pro tip: Landlord must return deposit within 6 months of lease end (§551 BGB). Deductions must be itemized.
Rent increases: landlord can increase up to local reference rent (Mietspiegel) with 15-month waiting period.
Pro tip: Max 20% increase over 3 years (Kappungsgrenze). In tight markets (e.g., Berlin), limit is 15%.
Nebenkostenabrechnung (utility bill): landlord must send within 12 months after the billing period ends.
Pro tip: If landlord sends Nebenkostenabrechnung late, you do NOT have to pay any additional amounts (but you keep the right to a refund).
Contest unfair increases: respond in writing within the deadline stated in the increase letter.
If disputes escalate, contact Mieterverein (tenant association) or file with Amtsgericht.
Fees
Legal Basis
Also Known As
This procedure is commonly searched under these names:
Official Resources
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