The local comparative rent — determined by an expert valuer
The local comparative rent (§ 558 BGB) is the benchmark for permissible residential rents in Germany. It determines how much rent may be increased, what share of modernization costs may be passed on, and what rental income a property can sustainably achieve.
The rental value appraisal report determines the market-standard net cold rent for your property based on an expert comparison — methodically correct, comprehensibly documented, and usable in court.
The rental value appraisal report includes:
- ✓Personal inspection of the apartment / property
- ✓Analysis of rent index, rent database & comparable rents
- ✓Characteristic adjustments (location, fittings, condition)
- ✓Written Appraisal Report with Rental Value Statement
- ✓Usable in court proceedings & rent increase procedures
Rental value appraisal
- Personal inspection
- Rent index & comparative data
- Compliant with § 558 BGB
- Court-standard
- 7–10 business days delivery time
When Do You Need a Rental Value Appraisal Report?
The rental value appraisal is indispensable in all situations where proof of the local comparative rent is legally relevant.
Rent increase request
For an effective rent increase under § 558 BGB, you must prove the local comparative rent — through a rent index, comparable apartments, or an expert appraisal report.
Modernisation levy
For modernizations, the capping limit applies: the increased rent may not exceed the local comparative rent by more than 10%. A rental value appraisal provides evidence of compliance with the capping limit.
Tenancy dispute in court
In legal disputes concerning rent levels, subletting, or rent reduction, the expert appraisal report serves as important evidence for determining the local comparative rent.
Income approach valuation
Calculating the income approach value of a property requires the sustainable achievable rent. The rental value appraisal provides this basis for valuation and purchase price calculations.
Purchase & acquisition due diligence
Before purchasing a rented property, the rental value appraisal shows whether the existing rent corresponds to the market rent — or whether there is potential for rent increases.
Commercial space & index-linked rent
For commercial tenancies and rent adjustment clauses in indexed leases, the rental value appraisal report forms the objective basis for contract negotiations.
Process of the rental value appraisal report
Inspection & feature survey
Personal inspection of the apartment or property with complete recording of all rental value-relevant characteristics: location, size, fittings standard, condition, year of construction, energy standard.
Rent index & database evaluation
Evaluation of the qualified rent index (where available) and supplementary comparative data: rent databases, listings, documented comparable apartments.
Comparable rents & adjustments
Selection of suitable comparable apartments and adjustment for differences in location, fittings, size and condition. Derivation of the rental value from the comparison sample.
Appraisal Report & Handover
Written rental value appraisal report with complete documentation. Delivered as PDF and bound copy within 7–10 business days after inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rental Value Appraisal
Isn't the rent index (Mietspiegel) sufficient as proof?+
The qualified rent index (§ 558d BGB) is a recognized instrument — but it is not available in all municipalities and often does not cover special cases (special features, location, year of construction outside the table). An expert appraisal report is a particularly robust form of proof of rental value, especially in court.
Does the appraisal report also apply to commercial rents?+
Yes. We prepare rental value appraisal reports for both residential and commercial properties (offices, retail, medical practices). Different comparative databases and market mechanisms apply to commercial rents — however, the methodological basis is the same.
Can the tenant contest the appraisal report?+
A methodically correct expert appraisal report is the most powerful piece of evidence in a tenancy law dispute. While the court can commission its own appraisal, in practice it often follows a carefully prepared party expert appraisal report. We prepare the appraisal report so that it will withstand judicial scrutiny.
Request rental value appraisal report
We determine the local comparative rent for your property — legally sound, court-standard, and at a transparent fixed price.
