Miethöhen

Miethöhen refers to the concept of rent ceilings or maximum rent levels, particularly prevalent in German rental law. It denotes the legally permissible maximum rent that a landlord can charge for a property. This concept is most prominently associated with the "Mietpreisbremse" (rent brake) regulation, which aims to limit excessive rent increases in tight housing markets.

When a property falls under rent brake regulations, new tenants cannot be charged a rent that is significantly higher than comparable existing rents in the same area. Specifically, the new rent can typically not exceed 10% above the locally applicable comparable rent (ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete). There are exceptions to this rule, such as for newly built or extensively modernized apartments, where higher rents may be permissible.

The purpose of Miethöhen regulations is to protect tenants from disproportionate rent hikes, especially in areas with high demand and limited supply of housing. This can help maintain affordability and prevent displacement of existing residents. Landlords are required to adhere to these limits, and tenants have the right to challenge rents that exceed the permissible Miethöhen. Enforcement and the determination of comparable rents can sometimes lead to legal disputes.