Check the furniture surcharge: are you paying too much rent for furniture?

For furnished apartments, landlords often demand a surcharge for the furnishings. But this furniture surcharge must be based on the actual value of the furniture; it must not be a trick to circumvent the rent cap or to artificially drive up the rent.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A furniture surcharge must be based on the current value of the furniture and its wear. A flat-rate, excessive surcharge without reference to the furniture value can be challenged.

Where the rent cap applies, the furnishings must not be used to exceed the permissible rent. The surcharge must be stated separately.

What you should do now

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1. Demand a breakdown
Ask the landlord to state the furniture surcharge and the underlying furniture with its value.
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2. Determine the comparative rent
Determine the locally customary comparative rent (rent index) for the unfurnished apartment as a starting point.
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3. Make the surcharge plausible
Calculate whether the surcharge fits the current value of the furniture. A realistic approach is based on purchase, age and wear.
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4. Object to an excess
If the surcharge is unreasonable or circumvents the rent cap, object to the excessive rent in writing and demand an adjustment.

How to spot the scam

The rental contract states only a total rent without a separate furniture surcharge.
A very high surcharge is demanded for a few simple pieces of furniture.
The furnishing seems only pretended in order to circumvent the rent cap.

Frequently asked questions

How high may a furniture surcharge be?

It must be based on the current value of the provided furniture and its wear. There is no fixed upper limit, but a flat-rate surcharge detached from the furniture value can be challenged.

Does the rent cap also apply to furnished apartments?

Yes. The furnishing must not serve to exceed the rent permissible under the rent cap. The furniture share must be considered separately.

What can I do about an excessive surcharge?

Demand a breakdown, compare with the locally customary rent and object to an excess in writing. You may be able to reclaim rent paid in excess.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.