Your contract is the foundation
Only sign a written lease (Mietvertrag). Oral agreements are hard to enforce. Read clauses on notice period (Kündigungsfrist), renovations, subletting, and pets.
For WGs, clarify whether you rent from the main tenant (Untermiete) or the landlord directly — your rights differ.
Deposit (Kaution)
Maximum three months' Kaltmiete, held in a separate account. Landlord must return it after move-out minus legitimate claims — often within months if there is no dispute.
Never pay deposit in cash without a receipt. Transfer to the named escrow account on the contract.
Repairs & rent reduction
Landlord is responsible for structural repairs and most appliances unless you caused damage. Document defects with photos and email — not just WhatsApp.
Serious defects (no heating, mould) may justify Mietminderung (rent reduction) after proper notice. Get advice before withholding rent entirely.
- Mietpreisbremse — rent cap in many Berlin areas for new contracts
- Kündigungsschutz — strong protection against arbitrary eviction in long-term leases
- Mieterverein — tenants' union offers legal advice (membership fee)
If something goes wrong
Berlin has counselling centres (Mieterberatung) and consumer advice. For serious disputes consider a Mieterverein or lawyer specialising in Mietrecht.
renting.berlin feedback after real rentals is designed to reward fair landlords and warn others — but it does not replace legal advice.
Further reading
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