Bruttomiete

Bruttomiete is the total monthly rent that a tenant pays to a landlord. It consists of the Kaltmiete (basic rent) plus Nebenkosten (operating costs) and, if applicable, Heizkosten (heat costs). In everyday usage, the term Warmmiete is often used synonymously with Bruttomiete, since both refer to the rent including utilities. The Kaltmiete is the price for the living space itself without utilities.

Nebenkosten cover operating costs for running and maintaining the building, such as water, waste disposal, building cleaning, property management, insurance, and maintenance. Heizkosten cover energy for heating and hot water and may be charged separately or included in the Bruttomiete depending on the lease.

In many rental agreements, landlords arrange Vorauszahlungen (advance payments) for Nebenkosten, which are reconciled annually in a Nebenkostenabrechnung. If actual costs exceed the advance payments, the tenant pays the difference; if costs are lower, the tenant may receive a credit or refund. Changes to Nebenkosten during the year can affect the monthly Bruttomiete if the contract provides for regular adjustments.

Legally, Bruttomiete is the amount stated as the monthly rent under the tenancy agreement. German tenancy law requires transparency of Nebenkosten, proper notice for cost increases, and a detailed annual accounting. In rental advertisements, it is common to show the Kaltmiete separately and indicate that the Bruttomiete or Warmmiete includes utilities.

Bruttomiete is a central concept in German-speaking rental markets, shaping both budgeting for tenants and price signaling by landlords.