How can I reduce my rent?
July 8, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Günther Schulz
Dear lawyer specializing in rental law,
I am reaching out to you because I am in a difficult situation regarding my rental costs and I am unsure of how to proceed. My name is Christian Götzinger and I am a tenant of an apartment in Munich.
The current situation is as follows: Two years ago, I signed a rental agreement for my current apartment. Since then, I have noticed that the rent is very high compared to other apartments in my area. Additionally, the utility costs have significantly increased in the past months, adding to my monthly expenses.
Therefore, I am currently paying a high rent monthly and facing rising utility costs. This is causing me to worry about my financial situation and how I can reduce my rental costs to regain more financial freedom.
My concerns are that the high rent and increasing utility costs may burden my financial situation in the long run and I may not be able to afford other expenses. Hence, I am seeking possible solutions to reduce my rental costs and lower my monthly expenses.
My question to you is: How can I reduce my rent? Are there any legal options to obtain a reduction in rent or utility costs? What steps can I, as a tenant, take to improve my situation?
I am hopeful for your assistance and I thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Christian Götzinger
Dear Mr. Götzinger,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your rental costs in Munich. It is understandable that you are concerned about your financial situation, especially if the rent is perceived as high compared to other apartments in your area and the utilities are steadily increasing. Indeed, there are ways to reduce your rental costs or at least to check if they are reasonable.
First and foremost, it is important to check if the rent increase was carried out legally. In Germany, rents are regulated by the Civil Code (BGB). There are clear rules on when and to what extent rent can be increased. If you have doubts about the legality of the rent increase, you can have it reviewed. Often, rent increases are announced or carried out incorrectly, which would give you, as a tenant, the right to object.
Furthermore, you can check if your rent is reasonable compared to similar apartments in your area. A rent price review can be helpful in determining if your rent is excessively high. In some cases, a rent reduction may be justified due to defects in the apartment. It is important that you notify your landlord of the defects in writing and give them a reasonable deadline to address them.
I also recommend contacting a tenant association or a lawyer specializing in rental law. They can assist you individually and support you in asserting your rights as a tenant. It is often advisable to first have a conversation with the landlord and search for solutions together. If this is not successful, legal action can be considered.
Overall, it is important for you to be aware that as a tenant, you also have rights and do not have to simply accept everything. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Günther Schulz
Lawyer specializing in rental law
