Rent index (Mietspiegel)

The rent index (Mietspiegel) shows the local comparative rent for flats in a town or municipality in Germany – broken down by size, location, year of construction and features.

Two types:

1. Qualified rent index:

• Compiled scientifically using recognised methods
• Recognised by the municipality OR tenants'/landlords' associations
• Valid for 2 years, updated after 4 years
• Has a presumption effect in court
• Since 2022: mandatory for cities with over 50,000 inhabitants

2. Simple rent index:

• Less strictly compiled
• Lower evidential value in court

What do you need the rent index for?

As a tenant:

• Check a rent increase: the landlord may only increase up to the local rent (§558 BGB)
• Cap: max. 20% increase in 3 years (in tight markets: 15%)
• New flat: is the rent reasonable?

As a landlord:

• Calculate the permissible rent increase
• Avoid invalid increases (formal errors = increase invalid)

Example:

According to the rent index: €10–12/m² for your category of flat.
Your rent: €9/m².
The landlord may increase it to max. €12/m² – but max. 20% in 3 years.
20% of €9 = €1.80 → maximum €10.80/m² over the next 3 years.

Where can you find the rent index?

• Your city council's website (free or €10–15)
• Tenants' association
• immobilienscout24.de (with interactive map)