Rent

Rent (Miete) is the payment you make to the landlord for the use of a flat. A distinction is made between basic rent (Kaltmiete, use of the space only) and rent including heating and service charges (Warmmiete).

Tenancy law in Germany:

• Protection against termination: the landlord needs a legal reason (personal use, serious breach of contract)
• Rent increases: at most up to the local comparative rent, capped at 20% in 3 years (15% in tight markets)
• Rent brake (Mietpreisbremse): for new lettings, max. 10% above the comparative rent
• Deposit: max. 3 months' basic rent, held separately, interest belongs to the tenant

Average rents 2025:

• Germany: ~€8.50/m² basic rent
• Munich: €18–23/m² (most expensive city)
• Berlin: €12–16/m²
• Leipzig: €6–8/m²

Rule of thumb: your rent including heating should be at most 30–35% of your net income.

Tenants' rights: Germany has one of the most tenant-friendly rental law systems in the world. In many other countries, the landlord can give notice without a reason or raise the rent freely.