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German rent-increase calculator: does it break the cap?

Within three years, cold rent may rise at most 20% — only 15% in many large cities. Check in seconds whether the increase demand exceeds the Kappungsgrenze.

The cap (§ 558 (3) BGB)

Even if the local reference rent has risen, rent may increase by at most 20% within three years. In tight housing markets a state ordinance reduces this to 15% — including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt. Anything above the cap does not have to be accepted.

The cap is only one of three hurdles

A § 558 increase additionally requires the rent to have been unchanged for 15 months, a proper justification (e.g. the Mietspiegel) — and no running stepped or indexed rent in your lease, which excludes § 558 increases entirely. Those checks need your contract and the letter.

Check both documents against each other automatically

Upload your lease and the increase letter to Lucid for free: waiting period, cap, and the Staffelmiete exclusion are checked deterministically against each other, your § 558b response deadline is computed as a concrete date — and a draft response is one click away.

Frequently asked questions

How much can rent be increased in Germany?

Up to the local reference rent, but at most 20% within three years (§ 558 (3) BGB) — 15% in cities with a cap ordinance.

Which rent is the baseline?

The rent that applied three years before the increase takes effect. For tenancies younger than three years, the contract rent.

Does the cap apply with stepped rent (Staffelmiete)?

With a running stepped or indexed rent, § 558 increases are excluded altogether (§§ 557a, 557b BGB) — only the agreed steps or index adjustments apply.

What happens if I don't consent?

Your consideration period runs to the end of the second month after receipt (§ 558b BGB). Without consent, the landlord must sue within three further months — otherwise the demand lapses.

Lucid provides general legal information and does not replace legal advice. For binding guidance, contact a tenants' association or a lawyer.

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