Nettomiete

Nettomiete, or net rent, is the base rent charged for the use of a dwelling or commercial space, excluding operating costs (Nebenkosten) and heating costs. It represents the landlord’s compensation for the property itself and is typically stated as the core rental amount in a lease. In German-speaking countries the term is common; in Germany it is often equated with Kaltmiete, though Nettomiete emphasizes the exclusion of ancillary charges.

Nettomiete is usually listed separately from Nebenkosten (operating costs) and Heizkosten (heating costs). The total monthly rent the tenant pays is called Bruttomiete or Warmmiete, depending on whether heating costs are included in the listed amount. If Heizkosten are billed separately, Warmmiete equals Nettomiete plus Betriebskosten plus Heizkosten; if heating is included in the Nebenkosten, Warmmiete equals Nettomiete plus Betriebskosten. Nebenkosten cover services such as water, sewage, waste disposal, building maintenance, cleaning, gardening, insurance, and property management.

Legal and market context: Rent levels and adjustments are regionally regulated in many countries. In Germany, rent increases must comply with statutory rules and may be guided by the local Mietspiegel or rent indexes, with proper notice. In Austria, the Mietrechtsgesetz provides similar protections; in Switzerland, terms for cost pass-through are governed by cantonal and national rules. Nettomiete serves as a key reference point for affordability and for comparing rents across properties.

Practical notes: Tenants should read leases carefully to distinguish Nettomiete, Nebenkosten, and Heizkosten; request a detailed Nebenkostenabrechnung (cost statement) and check whether annual increases are capped. Landlords may require a security deposit (Kaution). The concept helps compare rents, but total housing costs depend on how Nebenkosten and heating are charged.