The Rental Points System Explained

The Short Answer

The points system awards points to different parts of a rental home, such as living space, energy label, kitchen, bathroom and central heating. The landlord can charge a certain amount per point, which determines the maximum allowed rent. This applies to homes with a rent below the liberalization limit of €879.66 per month (2024). If the home has more points, the rent can be higher, but never above the liberalization limit. With more than 187 points, the home falls outside the points system and free rent pricing applies.

What Does the Law Say?

The points system is described in the Decree on Rent Prices for Housing and is based on the Housing Rent Act. The law stipulates that landlords of regulated rental homes may only charge a rent that corresponds to the number of points of the home. The aim is to protect tenants from excessively high rents and to guarantee a fair ratio between the quality of the home and the rent.

What Should You Watch Out For?

Always check whether your landlord has calculated the points correctly, as mistakes often occur. Pay particular attention to the calculation of the living space, the energy label and the valuation of the kitchen and bathroom. Request a specified points calculation if you have doubts about the rent.

Practical Example

Sarah rents an apartment of 60 m² with energy label C, a simple kitchen and bathroom for €750 per month. She doubts whether this is correct and has the points calculated: 60 points for the area, 44 points for energy label C, 7 points for the kitchen and 9 points for sanitary facilities. This gives a total of 120 points, which corresponds to a maximum rent of approximately €680. Sarah can now apply to the Rent Committee for rent reduction, as she is paying €70 per month too much.

What Can You Do?

If you suspect you are paying too much rent, you can take steps to check this and possibly correct it.