By Hildburg Bruns and Carlos Contreras
A new rent index applies in Berlin with immediate effect. The jumps for possible increases are plus 5.4 percent for all mean values in the table. After that, the average rent rose by 37 cents to EUR 7.16 per square meter and month (basic).
► Why is a rent index important?
“It is not the image of politically desired rent levels,” clarifies building senator Christian Gaebler (58, SPD). But it reflects what is happening on the rental market. Increases can be justified or even rejected with the local comparative rent.
► Who does the rent index apply to?
For around 1.5 million existing tenants.
Odeh Semreen (36) moved from Düsseldorf to Mitte eight years ago. The software developer: “I pay 700 euros for two rooms on 55 square meters – an old contract. But now I want to move in with my partner. The wedding is in September. I’ve been looking for an apartment for months! It’s gotten really bad in Berlin.” Photo: Christian Lohse
► … and for whom not?
Not for the approximately 100,000 social housing units and tenants in single and two-family houses. It also does not apply to new buildings that were ready for occupancy after 2018. Not even for those looking for an apartment – they have to reckon with asking rents averaging 11.54 euros/m². Modernization costs can also be apportioned without taking comparable rents into account.
Zoe L. (21) from Marzahn pays 530 euros warm for her 56 square meters in a cooperative apartment. The nurse: “A snapper! However, many can no longer afford the rents here. People are being pushed out of Berlin!” Photo: Christian Lohse
► What does the mirror table show?
The respective mean values in the table differ according to living space (less than 40 to more than 90 sqm), old building/new building in eight periods and equipment (simple, medium, good). These basic classifications have not changed.
Hans H. (78) lives in a cooperative apartment in Mitte. The pensioner is primarily worried about his neighborhood: “I pay 650 euros warm for 70 square meters. That’s still very good! However, if I were to move out, I wouldn’t get 20 square meters for the money.” Photo: Christian Lohse
► How have the values changed?
In contrast to the last rent index table for 2021, each value increases evenly by 5.4 percent. The most expensive at 13.73 euros/sqm are 60 to 90 sqm in a simple location from the years of construction 2003 to 2007.
► How big is the increase compared to before?
The long-term average of the rent index was 3.2 percent (now 5.4). Specifically: 2019 plus 2.5 percent, 2017 by 4.6 percent.
Die Linke criticizes: “With the high rate of increase in the self-created rent index, the Senate is largely exhausting the scope for rent increases. The CDU and SPD are giving landlords a present that is costing the tenants dearly.”
Vivien B. (25) works as a saleswoman at Alexa: “I moved to Lichtenrade four years ago. I paid 500 euros warm for two rooms on 58 square meters with a garden. In the meantime, the rental price has risen to 610 euros. I think it’s a shame that nothing can be done about it. If you want to move, you won’t get far” Photo: Christian Lohse
► Does the landlord need the rent index to send an increase?
It is at least one of the most important tools to show what others are paying. However, three comparative apartments can also be presented.
► When can landlords increase?
In Berlin, by a maximum of 15 percent within three years – if you stay below the rent index.
► Where can I get help?
Questions are answered by the city development senate on the rental service telephone on 030/90139-4777. By email: [email protected]. The rent index, including the street index, which is used to classify your location, is published in the Official Journal of Berlin.