Lower your rent in Cologne!
Have CONNY enforce rent control for you!

The Rent Control is a law to dampen the increase in rents on tight housing markets (§ 556d BGB). It was introduced nationwide in 2015 and is now effective in most federal states. The Rent Control applies in many large cities such as Cologne and allows tenants to reduce their rent if it is more than ten percent above the local comparable rent. This makes it currently the most powerful weapon against excessive rents, which is why every tenant should know about it and use it.

The Rent Control law generally applies throughout Germany. However, each federal state must define in which cities and communities it applies and implement the law independently.

The rent brake applies throughout Germany and determines the maximum amount of rent a tenant must pay. This maximum rent depends on the location and equipment of the apartment, as well as the age of the tenancy. You can determine your maximum rent without obligation and free of charge using our rent calculator. Where exactly the rent control can be used, what exceptions apply and further information about rent control can be found on our rent control page.

In principle, it's quite simple: When renting a new flat, the landlord may not charge an excessive rent. A maximum of 10% above the local comparable rent is allowed. If you have to pay more, you can also demand a reduction in rent during the current tenancy and reclaim the overpaid rent from that point on. But the devil is in the details: The tenant must activate the Rent Control by means of a so-called qualified letter of reprimand; otherwise the landlord can simply keep the excess rent received. The qualified letter of reprimand must meet a number of legal requirements and specifically derive from the local rent index why the rent is excessive. However, if you hire CONNY, you do not have to worry about this: We will take over the letter of reprimand for you. The landlord can also try to invoke various exceptions to the Rent Control.

Yes, if an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached and we consider judicial enforcement to be promising, our partner lawyers will also take legal action in court. The litigation costs are covered by CONNY. The commission for CONNY is only due in case of success. Should we not be successful, you will not have any costs; thus you have no cost risk*.

Landlords are also aware of the Rent Control and know that a higher rent is not legal. Accordingly, most of them remain calm and are willing to find an amicable solution for both sides. Many landlords already know CONNY and are aware that we communicate professionally and legally soundly as recognized rent law experts. A large proportion of landlords are housing companies that routinely process such cases and have little interest in questioning the usually legally clear case. Termination of the rental agreement in the course of a rent reduction is excluded. Therefore, as a tenant you do not have to be afraid of the landlord.

Yes, entry and evaluation of the data by CONNY, including the calculation of the possible savings potential, is free of charge for you. You can then decide whether you wish to mandate CONNY to enforce your right to a lower rent.

The CONNY promise applies: Your landlord pays the bill. Here's how it works: If we achieve a rent reduction for you, you benefit from an average of €400 more each month. Any claims from before the rent reduction are paid out by your landlord, including the excess security deposit you paid due to your previous high rent. We use these repayments to fund our team of legal experts who work to secure a fair rent for you. As a rule, we cover our entire commission from the repayment claims against your landlord and do not invoice you. In rare exceptional cases, and only if we achieve a result quickly and easily, we charge a minimum commission equal to the savings for the six months after we send the complaint. Under no circumstances will you pay more rent than you do today. Start your rent reduction now!

As a legal tech company, case processing at CONNY differs significantly from that of a traditional lawyer. You can find detailed insights into our approach and how you, as a customer, can stay informed on our "How CONNY Works" page.

We are experienced IT and legal experts who have successfully enforced the German Rent Control for thousands of tenants. The principle is: You have no cost risk, because you only pay if we have been successful for you. We also offer you the following advantages:

• Convenient: We take care of the entire process with your landlord; we make applications, set deadlines, send reminders, request and check evidence and finance contract lawyers if court hearings are necessary. All you have to do is instruct us and you will receive updates on your case. You will be asked if you want to accept settlement offers or continue the process, and you will be informed of the result at the end. There is no easier way to enforce your rights.
• No cost risk & active help: Unlike conventional lawyers, we only receive a commission if we are successful for you. If we are not successful, you have no costs. And unlike other consumer associations, we actively enforce your claims.
• High success rate: Due to our processes, which have been successfully implemented thousands of times, and our automated processes, the experience of all cases flows into your case and we can proceed very efficiently. Since we often take action against the same companies, the willingness of the other party to reach an agreement increases with every case we win for our clients.

In simple words - there is no difference. wenigermiete.de is a platform and a name known throughout Germany for the enforcement of tenant rights, operated by CONNY. On our way to providing consumers with a uniform platform for the enforcement of consumer rights, we have developed conny.legal, which takes over all services of wenigermiete.de and makes them accessible in a user-friendly design. We also continue to help tenants as a trustworthy partner in the enforcement of the Rent Control. In addition, CONNY enforces fair compensation for employees. As usual online, uncomplicated and without cost risk*.