Mietpreisbremse Hamburg: Understanding Rent Control

Hamburg has capped rent on new leases via the Mietpreisbremse since 2015. Effective January 1, 2026, the rule was extended for another four years and now applies citywide through December 31, 2029.

How does the Mietpreisbremse work in Hamburg?

Under Section 556d BGB, rent on a new lease may not exceed the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete, drawn from the Hamburg Mietenspiegel, by more than ten percent. The city extended the underlying ordinance effective January 1, 2026, for four more years, through December 31, 2029, according to the Authority for Urban Development and Housing.

How high can the Kaltmiete be in Hamburg?

The allowed Kaltmiete is the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete from the Mietenspiegel plus at most ten percent. Exempt are new buildings first ready for occupancy after October 1, 2014, and comprehensively modernized apartments. The Mietpreisbremse doesn't apply to these cases, though other rules, such as the modernization surcharge, still do.

What applies to rent increases on existing leases?

For an existing tenancy, the Kappungsgrenze under Section 558(3) BGB applies instead of the Mietpreisbremse: rent may rise by at most 15 percent within three years if the area is designated as a tight housing market, or 20 percent otherwise. The Mieterverein zu Hamburg explains the details.

Which leases does the Mietpreisbremse apply to?

It applies to new leases on existing apartments. Furnished apartments and leases with an agreed index rent may be subject to different rules; check the specific lease if you're unsure.

What to do if there's a violation

If you suspect a rent violates the Mietpreisbremse, start by comparing the asking rent with the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete in the Hamburg Mietenspiegel. If there's a deviation, a written notice to the landlord and a consultation with the Mieterverein zu Hamburg can help.

Bottom line

The Mietpreisbremse caps rent increases on new leases in Hamburg at ten percent above the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete, and has applied citywide since January 2026 through the end of 2029. Existing tenancies are governed by the Kappungsgrenze instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is the Mietpreisbremse in Hamburg?

Rent on a new lease may not exceed the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete, from the Hamburg Mietenspiegel, by more than ten percent.

Is the Mietpreisbremse still in effect in Hamburg?

Yes, it was extended effective January 1, 2026, for four more years, and applies citywide through December 31, 2029.

How much can a rent increase be on an existing lease in Hamburg?

Under the Kappungsgrenze, at most 15 percent within three years in tight housing markets, or 20 percent otherwise. That's a different rule from the Mietpreisbremse.

Which leases does the Mietpreisbremse apply to?

New leases on existing apartments. New buildings after October 1, 2014, and comprehensively modernized apartments are exempt.

Are there exceptions to the Mietpreisbremse?

Yes, including new buildings, comprehensively modernized apartments, and furnished or index-rent leases with different rules.

For a nationwide overview of the Mietpreisbremse, see Rent Caps in Germany: Understanding Mietpreisbremse Laws. For the Hamburg Mietenspiegel in detail, see Estimate Your Rent Easily. Find matching listings in Hamburg via Waitly Search.