Renting Furnished Apartments in Germany: All You Need to Know
Factors Influencing the Costs
Ever wondered about the increase in the rental prices of furnished apartments in Germany? Well, let's dive into it!
According to an analysis by Immoscout, the proportion of furnished apartments offered has grown nationwide from 8 to 13 percent over the past four years. Coincidentally, average rents skyrocketed from 15.50 euros per square meter to 22.50 euros during the same period. However, the rent control regulation also applies to furnished apartments, a fact many people are unaware of.
A key reason for this rise in rental prices lies in the furniture surcharge. Landlords charge this surcharge for the furniture they provide, and while it should be based on the current value of the furniture, it is not always disclosed in the rental agreement. This can lead to landlords charging significantly higher rents, as Witzke, an expert in tenancy law, points out.
Landlords often exploit the system to maximize their profits, offering 'furnished' apartments that are sparsely and poorly furnished, with the idea that higher rents can be generated. However, the rent control regulation does not apply if the furnished apartment was only rented for "temporary use." This term is often used as a loophole, as it is often not the case. The square meter prices charged often violate the rent control regulation and border on rental extortion.
Now, the question arises: what defines a 'temporary use'? Well, it refers to rental agreements that are intended to be of relatively short duration due to special circumstances. But in reality, this term is often just a formality.
In an effort to clarify the regulations, the German coalition agreement proposes to expand regulations on furnished flats, including possible legally prescribed surcharges based on the value of the furniture or absolute upper limits for such surcharges. These changes are expected to be addressed as part of broader harmonization efforts in tenancy law. However, as of June 2025, significant changes have not yet been enacted into law.
Tenants should pay close attention to any forthcoming amendments and always review documentation and local regulations. In practice, furniture surcharges for furnished apartments have often ranged from 20% to 30% above the local comparative rent, but it's essential to be aware of the actual value of the furniture provided. Landlords must justify the surcharge by providing a list of furniture and calculating its value.
In conclusion, before signing a lease for a furnished apartment, tenants should request detailed documentation of the furniture and improvements. This will help ensure fair and transparent renting practices and protect tenants from rental extortion. Stay informed and stay safe!
- The rise in rental prices for furnished apartments in Germany, as indicated by Immoscout's analysis, may be due to the furniture surcharge, a charge landlords make for providing furniture, which is not always disclosed in the rental agreement, potentially leading to higher rents.
- As the German coalition agreement proposes to expand regulations on furnished flats, tenants may expect future amendments that could potentially include legally prescribed surcharges based on the value of the furniture or absolute upper limits for such surcharges. Hence, it is crucial for tenants to review documentation and local regulations before leasing a furnished apartment.
