Find Comparable Apartments: Tenant Tips Germany

As a tenant in Germany, systematically finding comparable apartments helps you check fair rents and strengthen your negotiating position. This guide explains which criteria matter, which documents you should collect and how to use comparison offers, for example when reviewing rent increases or checking the Mietpreisbremse. You will get practical steps for documenting condition, ancillary costs and location, advice on deadlines and template forms, and clear examples of how to use findings as evidence. The goal is that you can compare soundly, argue factually and have evidence ready for discussions with your landlord or authorities.

How to find comparable apartments

Start locally and systematically: note address, square meters, number of rooms, fittings and landlord details for each comparable apartment. Pay attention to year of construction, modernizations, heating type and operating costs. Create a table or a photo log that shows condition and visible defects. Use this information when you review a rent increase or compare your rent with similar apartments.

Important search criteria

• Documents: note floor plan, living area statement and energy certificate.
• Fittings: record heating type, sanitary facilities, fitted kitchen and modernizations.
• Rent costs: compare cold rent, ancillary costs and operating expenses in detail.
• Deadlines: note offer date and viewing appointment.

If you make formal comparisons, it is helpful to check concrete examples in the rental index or with official bodies. Refer to the relevant rules in the German Civil Code (BGB) (§§ 535–580a) and to court decisions if necessary.^[1]

Practical steps to use comparable apartments

1. Collect: create a file with photos, expos, living area details and the energy certificate.
2. Write: prepare a short comparison letter to the landlord if a rent increase has been announced.
3. Observe deadlines: respond within statutory time limits and document dispatch method and date.
4. Courts/assistance: check whether a court hearing at the local court is sensible or whether mediation is possible.

Forms and templates (brief explanation)

• Notice of termination (template from the Federal Ministry of Justice): used when you or the landlord terminate the tenancy; include deadline, date and signature. Example: "Termination at the end of the month due to relocation".^[2]
• Rent increase letter under §558 BGB (template): a formal landlord request to adjust the rent; review comparable apartments and the rent index before agreeing. Example response: objection with your own comparison evidence.
• Eviction lawsuit forms and guidance: if eviction is threatened, inform yourself early at the competent local court about procedures and deadlines. Example: timely clarification or application for an extension of the eviction deadline.^[3]

FAQ

How many comparable apartments do I need for a reliable comparison?

At least three to five similarly equipped apartments in the same area with comparable living space provide a reliable basis.

Can I use comparable apartments against a rent increase?

Yes. Documented comparable offers help to check the amount of a rent increase and provide arguments in case of objection.

Which court do I turn to in a rent dispute?

In general, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible for tenancy disputes; higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice for legal questions and precedents.^[1]

How-To

1. Inspect: visit several apartments and collect photos, expos and area statements.
2. Compare: list cold rent, ancillary costs and modernization status side by side.
3. Document: prepare a comparison letter with evidence for discussions or objections.
4. Seek advice: contact the local court or an official advisory service before formal steps.

Help and Support / Resources

• Hotline: Gesetze im Internet (BGB §§535–580a) – central reference for tenancy law.
• Contact: Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof) – relevant decisions on rent and modernization.
• Hotline: Justice portal of the federal states – information on the competent local court and forms.

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§535–580a
2. [2] Bundesministerium der Justiz – Musterformulare und Hinweise
3. [3] Justizportal – Informationen zu Gerichten und Formularen