Mietspiegel: how to check your rent against it
How to read the Mietspiegel (local rent index) and use it to check your rent or a rent increase.
The Mietspiegel shows the local comparable rent as a range per square metre. Find your flat's field by building age, size, location and fittings, then compare the range with your net rent per square metre.
How to read the Mietspiegel
You do not need expert knowledge for this. What matters is finding the right field for your flat.
- 1
Use the current edition
Use the current Mietspiegel. An out-of-date one often shows higher figures.
- 2
Find your building's age class
The Mietspiegel sorts flats by building age. Find the age class your building falls into.
- 3
Pick the field for size and location
Pick the field that matches your flat's floor area and its residential location.
- 4
Read off the range
The Mietspiegel does not give one number. It gives a lower, a middle and an upper value.
- 5
Adjust for fittings
Additions and deductions for your flat's fittings move your figure within the range.
- 6
Compare your rent
Work out your net rent per square metre and compare it with the range.
Why this matters
Under § 558 Abs. 2 BGB, the local comparable rent is based on the rents of similar flats over the last six years. It is the yardstick for rent increases. In case of doubt, a qualified Mietspiegel is taken as accurate (§ 558d Abs. 3 BGB).
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the local comparable rent (ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete)?
The local comparable rent is the usual rent for similar flats in the town, based on rents from the last six years (§ 558 Abs. 2 BGB). It is the yardstick for rent increases (§ 558 BGB) and the Mietpreisbremse (rent brake, § 556d BGB).
How do I compare my rent with the Mietspiegel?
Work out your net rent per square metre and find the field that matches your flat's building age, size and location. If your figure is above the range after the additions and deductions for fittings, take a closer look at your rent or the rent increase.
Does every city have a Mietspiegel?
Not every city has a Mietspiegel, but towns with more than 50,000 people must produce one. The deadline was 1 January 2023 for a simple Mietspiegel and 1 January 2024 for a qualified one. Where there is no Mietspiegel, the comparable rent can also be shown with similar flats or an expert report.
Also in this topic: Modernisierung: tenant rights & rent increaseChecking a Staffelmiete or IndexmieteIs your Indexmiete increase correct? How to checkAll guides: Rent & rent increases
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