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Tenant tool

Rent price check: is your rent or increase permissible?

Enter the key data, the tool recognises the rent type and checks it against the right basis: the local comparative rent, the rent cap, the capping limit, a stepped or index-linked rent. The result is a traffic-light verdict on whether your rent or an announced rent increase is permissible, with the maximum permissible value. For tenants who want clarity. Powered by the DIMA platform, under your brand.

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Comparative, stepped and index rent · §§ 556d, 558, 557a/b BGB · Traffic-light result as PDF
⚖Rent price check
Rent cap
Your rent€11.20/m²
Local comparative rent€8.90/m²
Location / year builtmedium · 1998
Borderline
Permissible up to€9.80/m²
Rent cap: max. 10 % above the comparative rent
How it works

Four steps to the traffic light.

1
Enter the key data
Rent, living space, location, year built and fittings. For an increase, also the previous rent.
2
Determine the comparative rent
Comparison with the rent index and comparable flats to establish the local comparative rent.
3
Recognise the rent type, check the law
The tool recognises the rent type and applies the matching basis: rent cap, capping limit, stepped or index-linked rent.
4
Result and PDF
Traffic-light verdict, maximum permissible value and reasoning, as a PDF to download and for advice.
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The example above shows a new letting (comparative rent). The tool checks increases on existing tenancies (§ 558 BGB), stepped rent (§ 557a BGB) and index-linked rent (§ 557b BGB) in exactly the same way, it recognises the rent type automatically and applies the correct basis in each case.

What happens technically.

From the key data the tool determines the local comparative rent via the qualified or simple rent index and comparable flats. It then recognises the rent type and checks which basis applies in the specific case: the rent cap for a new letting, the capping limit for an increase up to the comparative rent, or the special rules for stepped and index-linked rents.

The result is a clear traffic light with the specific maximum permissible value and traceable reasoning. Your advisers can review and supplement it before output, and the result is ready as a PDF.

Rent types and bases checked
  • ✓New letting, rent cap (§§ 556d ff. BGB): in designated areas no more than 10 % above the local comparative rent. Exemptions for new builds, comprehensive modernisation and a higher previous rent are taken into account.
  • ✓Existing rent, increase up to the comparative rent (§ 558 BGB): up to the local comparative rent, limited by the capping limit: 20 %, in strained markets 15 %, within three years.
  • ✓Stepped rent (§ 557a BGB): rent steps agreed in advance. Each step is measured against the rent cap at the point it takes effect; an increase under § 558 is excluded alongside it.
  • ✓Index-linked rent (§ 557b BGB): linked to the consumer price index. The initial rent is subject to the rent cap, the adjustments follow the index.
Note: The result is a well-founded initial assessment, not legal advice in an individual case. Your specialist advisers remain responsible.
Clear and fast

Clarity in minutes, not in expert reports.

Traffic light
green, amber or red at a glance, with a concrete maximum value in €/m².
Protection
detects whether your rent or an announced increase exceeds the permissible limit.
PDF
result with reasoning and legal reference to download and for advice.

Frequently asked questions about the rent price check.

What does the rent price check examine?
The tool compares the rent with the local comparative rent and checks it against the rent cap (§§ 556d ff. BGB) for a new letting and the capping limit (§ 558 BGB) for existing rents. Stepped rent (§ 557a BGB) and index-linked rent (§ 557b BGB) are recognised as distinct rent types and assessed by their own rules. The result is a traffic-light verdict and the specific maximum permissible value.
Are stepped and index-linked rents checked too?
Yes. With a stepped rent (§ 557a BGB) each agreed step is measured against the rent cap at the point it takes effect; an additional increase up to the comparative rent under § 558 is excluded alongside it. With an index-linked rent (§ 557b BGB) the initial rent is subject to the rent cap, the further adjustments follow the consumer price index of the Federal Statistical Office. The tool recognises the rent type and applies the correct basis in each case.
Does the check apply to new lettings and existing rents?
Yes. For a new letting the rent cap applies, which in strained housing markets permits at most 10 percent above the local comparative rent. For ongoing tenancies the tool checks the capping limit, that is the permissible increase within three years.
Where does the local comparative rent come from?
From the qualified or simple rent index of the municipality and comparable flats, depending on location, size, year built and fittings. If no rent index exists, the tool points this out.
What does the check give me as a tenant?
Within a few minutes you can see whether your rent or an announced rent increase exceeds the permissible limit, with a concrete maximum value and reasoning as a PDF. That is a solid basis for the conversation with the landlord or your tenants' association.
Who is the tool for?
For tenants' associations, consumer organisations and their members. It runs as a self-service under your own brand.

Offer the rent price check as your own service.

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