Frequently asked questions

No. Tenants must request the reduction from their landlord in writing. If no request is made, the rent will remain unchanged.

Yes, you can appeal the rent increase to the arbitration authority within 30 days of receiving the letter from your landlord. See the appeal instructions on the rent adjustment form.

It’s impossible to say at this point. The reference interest rate is announced quarterly by the Federal Office for Housing.
Experts assume that the reference interest rate will continue to rise over the next few years.

An adjustment can only be made based on a change in the reference interest rate if the interest rate of the tenancy agreement or the latest rent adjustment is lower than the currently applicable rate. An adjustment can be made for inflation or cost increases irrespective of the reference interest rate.

Inflation is determined using the National Consumer Price Index. The starting point is the index indicated in the tenancy agreement or as known at the time of the last rent adjustment. This is then compared to the new index.

In the event of an increase, we will inform you by post about the rent adjustment. You will receive the new payment details in good time before the increase becomes valid. 

Cost increases include any increases to costs for the operation, maintenance and management of the rental property. In practice, flat rates are used.

No, it can vary due to the basis for calculation.

Yes, landlords must inform tenants about the rent increase in good time using an official form. Key dates are the termination dates and deadlines agreed in the tenancy agreement or the customary local termination dates if these are not specified in the agreement. Please note the instructions for appeals on the rent adjustment form (reverse side).

Any rent adjustment is regulated by law so it can only happen if the necessary requirements are met. As tenancy agreements for tenants are based on different conditions (e.g. reference interest rate), the potential for adjustments and the amount will also vary. 
For example, if different notice periods are agreed, there may also be different dates for rent adjustments.