Renting in Hohenzollernkarree: Municipal corrections against usury!

Renting in Hohenzollernkarree: Municipal corrections against usury!

In Munich, the housing company Münchner Wohnen has once again actively worked on price transparency. After the municipal housing company acquired the 230 apartments in Hohenzollernkarree for 125 million euros in 2023, the rental agreements have now been checked and corrected on site. This initiative shows that Munich is sticking with it when it comes to fair rental prices. The complex in the Schwabing-West district, surrounded by Clemens-, Erich-Kästner-, Herzog- and Fallmerayerstrasse, was illuminated in detail in order to identify and report on excessive rental prices tz.de reported.

Christian Müller, Managing Director of Münchner Wohnen, provided insights into the review. He emphasizes that extortionate rents, even in old contracts, will not be tolerated. What was particularly noticeable was the correction of two tenancies that were over 150% of the valid rent index. Both contracts were adjusted and overpaid amounts were refunded. This marks a further step in the fight against rent usury.

Current rental price development

The average rental price for the old contracts is now 19.05 euros per square meter, while the rents for new rentals in the Hohenzollernkarree are 15.08 euros per square meter. The city ensures that all residents have been informed in writing about the results of the test and that Münchner Wohnen's customer service is available to answer any questions.

In order not to lose track of the jungle of rental prices, please refer to the new rent index for Munich, which was approved by the City Council's Social Committee on March 20, 2025 and will shortly be confirmed by the general assembly. The rent index is updated every two years and offers essential guidance for tenants and landlords. The data for the creation is based on a comprehensive sample of the population register, including all new rental agreements or rent adjustments made between February 2018 and January 2024, as the City of Munich explains on its website: City of Munich.

The numbers speak for themselves: The average net rent in the new rent index is given as 15.38 euros per square meter, which means an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous rent index from 2023. Increases of up to 15% have been recorded in certain housing categories, particularly in smaller units or new buildings. Despite the price adjustments, there is still high pressure on the rental market in the most sought-after locations.

Legal framework

These adjustments and innovations are necessary in order to comply with the legal requirements in accordance with Section 558 d of the German Civil Code (BGB). This means that rent increases must generally be justified, with the current rent index playing a central role. It is all the more important that it is updated regularly and any adjustments within the cap of 15% are made in three years, which is stricter than the national regulation of 20%. Tenants have the right to agree to or reject a rent increase, although partial consent is also possible. If there is an increase, the tenants have until the end of the second month after receipt of the increase request to terminate.

The rent index is relevant for all privately financed apartments and can be viewed at mhmmuenchen.de. The housing situation in Munich remains exciting because, despite rising rent prices, the city is clearly willing to take action on behalf of its tenants and efforts to ensure fair housing conditions continue.