Rent Increase Limits in Cologne: Know Your Rights

If you rent in Cologne, there are two different rules worth knowing: the Kappungsgrenze for rent increases on existing leases, and the Mietpreisbremse for new leases.

How much can rent increase in Cologne on an existing lease?

Cologne is one of 59 municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia where a reduced Kappungsgrenze of 15 percent over three years has applied since June 1, 2014, as the Mieterverein Köln explains. Without this ordinance, the general Kappungsgrenze under Section 558(3) BGB would be 20 percent. The increase also may not exceed the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete according to the Cologne Mietspiegel.

How is this different from the Mietpreisbremse?

The Kappungsgrenze applies only to existing tenancies. For a new lease, the Mietpreisbremse under Section 556d BGB applies instead: the agreed rent may not exceed the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete by more than ten percent, provided Cologne is designated as an area with a tight housing market. Looking at both rules together helps you judge a rent increase or a new offer correctly.

What deadlines apply to a rent increase?

A landlord can demand an increase no sooner than 15 months after the rent was last set, and it takes effect at the start of the third month after the written demand is received. The increase must be based on the Mietspiegel, an expert appraisal, or comparable apartments.

Does the Kappungsgrenze apply to all apartments in Cologne?

It applies to most existing tenancies, but not to newly signed leases and not to modernization rent increases under Section 559 BGB, which follow their own rules: eight percent of modernization costs per year, capped at three euros per square meter over six years.

What to check if you get a rent increase in Cologne

Compare the requested new rent with the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete from the Cologne Mietspiegel and check whether the 15 percent limit was respected. If in doubt, the Mieterverein Köln offers consultations.

Bottom line

In Cologne, a rent increase on an existing lease is capped at 15 percent over three years, while the Mietpreisbremse with its ten percent cap applies to new leases instead. Knowing both rules lets you judge an increase or an offer reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the maximum rent increase in Cologne?

For existing leases, at most 15 percent within three years, additionally capped by the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete.

Can my landlord raise the rent in Cologne at any time?

No. An increase is possible no sooner than 15 months after the rent was last set, and it must be justified in writing.

Does the Kappungsgrenze apply to all apartments?

It applies to most existing tenancies, not to newly signed leases and not to modernization rent increases.

How can I check whether my rent increase is fair?

Compare the new rent with the ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete in the Cologne Mietspiegel and the applicable 15 percent limit.

What should I do if my landlord raises the rent unlawfully?

Contact the Mieterverein Köln or a legal advisor to have the increase reviewed.

For the Cologne Mietspiegel in detail, see Cologne rental insights by district. For how the Mietpreisbremse works nationwide, see Mietpreisbremse guide. Find matching listings in Cologne via Waitly Search.