Find Comparable Apartments: Tenant Guide Germany

As a tenant in Germany you often need comparable apartments to check whether your rent is reasonable or whether a rent increase is lawful. This guide explains step by step how to find comparable apartments, which features and documents are important and how to collect evidence to assert your rights. I show how to compare offers, which deadlines to observe and when a rent reduction or legal action may be appropriate. The language stays simple so you can act quickly. At the end you will find a short FAQ, a practical how-to with action steps and official contact points in Germany that you can contact for court proceedings or financial support.

Why comparable apartments matter

Comparable apartments help you check whether your rent level is customary or whether a rent increase is unjustified. The legal assessment is often based on characteristics such as location, living space, amenities, year of construction and operating costs. In many cases the legal evaluation relies on the provisions of the Civil Code regarding landlord and tenant obligations and permissible increases.^[1]

Which criteria count

• Previous rent (rent) and operating costs
• Living area and number of rooms
• Year of construction, condition, type of heating (heating)
• Location and infrastructure
• Energy consumption and operating costs (payment)

Step-by-step: finding comparable apartments

1. Collect data: photos, lease, operating cost statements and floor area statements (document)
2. Search for similar offers: same size, similar location, comparable condition (search)
3. Compare rents: calculate €/m² and adjust for amenities (rent)
4. Check deadlines: observe objection and response periods (time)
5. If necessary, check legal advice and support through legal aid (court)

What to do in case of unlawful rent increase or defects

If you suspect that a rent increase is unlawful or the apartment has defects, collect evidence (photos, messages, invoices) and request clarification from the landlord in writing. If talks do not help, the next step is often an application or lawsuit at the competent district court; in Germany such civil rental disputes are generally handled by the local court.^[2] For court proceedings, financial aids such as counseling assistance or legal aid may be relevant; check forms and eligibility early.

FAQ

How do I find suitable comparable apartments?

Collect listings and exposés with similar size, year of construction and amenities, calculate €/m² and note differences in location or operating costs.

How long do I have to object to a rent increase?

Check the landlord's letter for set deadlines; generally act quickly and secure evidence within a few weeks.

When should I involve the district court?

If negotiations fail and important rights are at stake (e.g. unlawful rent increase, eviction), a lawsuit at the local court may be necessary.

How-To

1. Collect all documents: lease, latest operating cost statement, photos (document)
2. Create a comparison list with at least three similar apartments (search)
3. Calculate the comparison value in €/m² and mark outliers (rent)
4. Write a formal letter to the landlord with a deadline (notice)
5. Document deadlines and wait for the response in writing (time)
6. If necessary, submit documents to the local court or request legal assistance (court)

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB § 535 – Duties of the landlord
• Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ)
• Federal Court of Justice – Decisions

1. [1] BGB § 535 – Duties of the landlord
2. [2] ZPO – Jurisdiction of the courts
3. [3] BMJ – Forms and information on counsel assistance and legal aid