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 basic version is free. For advanced features such as rent reduction calculation with case law references, we offer a Premium version for 9,99 €.

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?

The reduction rate for mold ranges from 5% to 100% depending on severity. Examples from case law: 10% for mold in the bathroom (AG Hamburg, 46 C 108/07), 20% for mold in the bedroom (LG Berlin, 65 S 205/89), up to 80% for extensive mold across multiple rooms (LG Berlin, 65 S 205/10). The key factors are the affected area and health risk.

How much rent reduction for a broken heater?

For heating failure in winter, reductions of 20% to 100% are common. Examples: 20% for insufficient heating (AG Charlottenburg, 222 C 58/04), 50% for complete heating failure during heating season (LG Berlin, 64 S 108/97), up to 100% if the apartment is uninhabitable due to no heating in winter (AG Potsdam, 26 C 364/96). The heating season typically runs from October 1 to April 30.

How much rent reduction for noise disturbance?

The reduction rate for noise depends on type, duration, and intensity. Guidelines: 10% for regular construction noise (AG Schoeneberg, 109 C 256/07), 20% for persistent neighbor noise (LG Berlin, 63 S 236/09), 25% for significant construction noise (AG Wedding, 8 C 22/10), up to 50% for extreme noise with health risks (AG Hamburg, 49 C 324/93).

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.