Rent increase request
Mieterhöhungsverlangen / Zustimmung zur Mieterhöhung · sent by Your landlord / property manager
Respond soon — routine but not ignorable
What this letter is
A letter asking you to agree to a higher rent — usually up to the local comparative rent (Mietspiegel). For a standard increase the landlord cannot simply raise it: they need your written consent, and strict limits apply — a cap (Kappungsgrenze, generally 15–20% over three years) and a 12-month freeze since the last increase. It is a request, not an automatic new bill.
What to do
- Check the formalities. The letter must justify the new rent (via Mietspiegel, comparable flats, or an expert report) and stay within the caps. A poorly justified request can be ineffective.
- You have time. You get until the end of the second month after receiving it to agree; the higher rent then starts the month after that.
- Consent is active — and so are the limits. If the increase follows the rules you effectively have to agree; if it exceeds the Kappungsgrenze or the Mietspiegel, you consent only to the lawful part.
- This is different from an index or graduated lease. If your contract is a Staffelmiete or Indexmiete, the increase follows the contract instead — check which you signed.
- Unsure? The local Mieterverein (tenants' association) will check whether the increase is lawful before you sign anything — cheap and worth it.
General information, not legal advice. Always verify payment details on the sender's official website before transferring money.