mietminderung

Rent reduction for construction noise

8 rulings on this topic – with reduction rate, case number and link to the decision.

Updated: October 2026 · 119 court rulings

Building works in your own building, such as an attic conversion or a full refurbishment, regularly justify a rent reduction, often for the entire construction period. Noise, dust and vibrations count – and whether scaffolding blocks your windows or balcony.

Noise from a neighboring plot is harder: according to the Federal Court of Justice (ruling of 29 April 2020 – VIII ZR 31/18) it depends on whether the landlord has claims of their own against the developer. Courts have still awarded reductions since then. Keep a noise log with date, time and type of work.

Calculate reduction →

8 rulings found

Enforce your right to rent reduction

Create a free defect notice with a rent reduction demand — backed by these court rulings.

Reduce rent
DefectReductionDescription
80 %Landlord converts the attic; apartment below unusable
35 %Major construction site (Elbe tunnel) about 50 m away, noise barrier 10 m in front of the windows
30 %Attic conversion: scaffolding, covered windows, construction noise, plaster falling from the ceiling
30 %Extensive construction work in the building: vibrations, noise, scaffolding, dust and solvent smell; later 20%
25 %Long-term construction noise from a full building refurbishment
20 %Construction noise from a large building site next door
20 %Construction noise from the neighboring plot; flat rate for the entire construction period
15 %Noise and dust from construction work on the neighboring plot; later 10%