Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rent reduction?

A rent reduction (Mietminderung) is the legal right to reduce your rent when your apartment has defects. It is based on §536 BGB (German Civil Code): if a significant defect impairs the usability of the apartment, the rent is reduced by law.

Is mietminderung.online a law firm?

No. mietminderung.online is a document generator that creates letters based on general templates and current case law. We do not replace individual legal advice. For complex cases, we recommend consulting a lawyer or your local tenants' association.

How much does the service cost?

The letter to your landlord is free: you answer a few questions about the defect, we turn your answers into a letter as a PDF and email it to you.

Is my data secure?

Yes. Your personal data is not shared with third parties. Letter generation is based on verified legal formulations.

How do I receive my letter?

After creation, you will receive your letter by email as a PDF file. You can then print it and send it to your landlord.

Can my landlord terminate my lease if I reduce my rent?

No. Rent reduction is your legal right under §536 BGB. A termination due to a justified rent reduction is invalid. Important: Document the defect carefully and give your landlord a reasonable deadline to fix it.

How much rent reduction for mold in the apartment?

It depends on the extent. Across the 14 rulings in our rent reduction table, the median is 10% for minor mold (small spots in one place, such as the bathroom or a window), 23% for mold in several places in living rooms and 78% for extensive mold with a health risk. The key factors are the affected area and the health risk.

How much rent reduction for a broken heater?

It depends on the season and the extent. Across the 19 rulings in our rent reduction table, the median is 10% when the heating works only partly or a single room is affected, 25% when several rooms stay below 16 °C and 73% for a total failure in winter. The heating season usually runs from October 1 to April 30.

How much rent reduction for noise disturbance?

It depends on the type, duration and intensity of the noise. Across the 21 rulings in our rent reduction table, the median is 8% for occasional daytime disturbance, 20% for regular noise such as construction work and 40% for extreme noise day and night.

Do I have to inform the landlord first?

Yes. Under §536c BGB, you are required to notify the landlord of the defect immediately (Maengelanzeige). Without notification, your right to reduce rent may be limited, and you could even be liable for damages. The notification should be in writing, describe the defect precisely, and set a reasonable deadline for repair -- typically 14 days.

How long can I reduce my rent?

You may reduce your rent as long as the defect persists. The reduction takes effect by law (§536 BGB) from the moment the landlord becomes aware of the defect. Once the defect is resolved, you must pay the full rent again. There is no time limit on the reduction.

What must a rent reduction letter contain?

An effective rent reduction letter must include: a precise description of the defect, when the defect occurred, reference to §536 BGB, the announced reduction rate, a deadline for repair (typically 14 days), and a note that further legal steps are reserved. Our generator automatically creates a letter with all required information.

Is the rent reduction calculated from the cold or warm rent?

The rent reduction is calculated from the gross rent (warm rent) -- that is, the base rent plus all utilities including heating costs. The BGH has explicitly ruled this (BGH, VIII ZR 347/04). Example: With €950 warm rent and 15% reduction, you save €142.50 per month.

Does the rent reduction apply retroactively?

Yes. The rent reduction takes effect automatically by law -- from the day the defect occurred (§536 BGB). You do not need to announce or apply for the reduction in advance. You can reclaim rent already paid from the landlord. The prerequisite is that you have notified the landlord of the defect.

Can I enforce the rent reduction without a lawyer?

Yes, in most cases you do not need a lawyer. The rent reduction is your legal right under §536 BGB. You simply need to report the defect in writing and claim the reduction. Our service creates a legally sound letter for you -- free or with professional analysis including court rulings.