Document background
The Rent Increase Form Letter (Mieterhöhungsverlangen) is a essential document in German property management, used when landlords wish to increase rent within the parameters allowed by German law. This document must be used whenever a landlord seeks to raise rent in an ongoing tenancy, excluding automatic increases previously agreed in the lease. The letter must comply with §558a BGB and include specific justification methods such as reference to the local rent index (Mietspiegel), comparison with similar properties, or expert opinion. It must be sent in written form and give tenants sufficient time to respond (typically three months). The document is particularly important in Germany's regulated rental market, where rent increases must be justified and are subject to various restrictions including local rent control measures (Mietpreisbremse) and caps on increase percentages.
