Flat share plans a big holiday with the rent they saved
Tom (24) and two friends were looking for a flat they could share in Berlin's City West. They found one in Berlin-Charlottenburg: prime city location, over 100 square metres, 4 rooms across two floors – and a pretty steep rent. At first they didn't really notice. On the contrary, the three young men were glad to have found such a good fit and assumed the price was normal for Berlin. Then someone pointed them to CONNY and they simply had their rent checked. The result: the flat share was paying almost 250€ too much rent.
What problem did you hire CONNY for?
We asked CONNY to check whether we could lower our rent.
What is your living situation?
I live with two other people in a three-person flat share. Our flat is 110 square metres in total, we have four rooms and pay a net cold rent (Nettokaltmiete) of 1500 € and a warm rent (Warmmiete) of 1700 €.
Are you planning to live here long-term?
We were really glad to get a flat in such a good location and would like to keep living here together for as long as possible.
Did you already know when you moved in that the rent was too high?
When we moved in, we thought the rent was actually normal by Berlin standards, and at first we just accepted it.
How did you hear about CONNY?
Through a recommendation. My flatmate's brother gave us the tip to get in touch with CONNY and see whether we could lower our rent.
How did you get in touch with CONNY?
We contacted CONNY by phone and by email. We described the situation and handed over the relevant details.
What convinced you to hire CONNY?
We hired CONNY because we carry no cost risk up front and really knew nothing about tenancy law. CONNY has the expertise and could check whether we could lower the rent and, if so, by how much.
Did you look at other routes too? A lawyer, for example, or the tenants' association (Mieterverein)?
We also asked acquaintances who work for property management companies (Hausverwaltungen). But nobody there really wanted to give us a straight answer. So we went with CONNY.
Did you have concerns before or during the process? What put your mind at rest?
Yes, we did have a few worries, because our relationship with our landlord wasn't great. We were afraid the process could land us in trouble. But after a longer phone call with CONNY and follow-up emails, the experts assured us we had nothing to worry about.
How did the process go for you?
Very, very well for us. It took a year in total to close the case, but in the end it worked and we can lower our rent.
Why do you think it took so long?
From my point of view, because the landlord took a lot of time to respond and review the case.
Has your relationship with your landlord changed?
Basically no. There is still little contact. But we think the landlord treats us with more respect now.
How much rent can you save now? How does that feel?
We save almost 250 € a month. Especially right now, that feels great.
Does the rent reduction match your expectations? Did you expect more or less?
Because we live in a very good location in a large flat, we didn't think we could save this much. So we are completely satisfied.
How much was the refund claim for overpaid rent and deposit (Kaution)?
The refund we are owed actually comes to a full 2400 €, because the process took so long.
Do you have plans for the saved rent & the refund yet?
Yes, several. We hope travelling will be possible again soon. We want to turn it into a flat-share holiday. With that much money we are planning several short trips, or maybe even one big road trip.
Were you also affected by the Berlin rent cap (Mietendeckel)? Do you know the difference between the Mietendeckel and the rent brake (Mietpreisbremse)?
Yes, we looked into the difference between the Mietendeckel and the Mietpreisbremse. CONNY explained it very well, and it turned out we were affected by the Mietendeckel as well.
Did you set the difference aside to cover a possible back payment?
We expected the Mietendeckel to be overturned and set the corresponding amounts aside. So if it comes to it, we can pay the landlord back.
The Mietendeckel has since been declared void. Is your landlord demanding a back payment?
We haven't heard anything from the landlord yet. There has been no payment demand, so we are simply waiting until we hear from him before we make the back payment.
You also had some defects in the flat to complain about. What were they? Have they been fixed?
We had several defects. For one, the doorbell was broken for a long time. We also had no light in the kitchen or in the upstairs bathroom. They have been fixed now. Partly thanks to CONNY, who pointed out explicitly that it is not acceptable for us to shower almost in the dark in the cold months, for example.
Do you think the success fee is fair?
I think CONNY's success fee is absolutely fair. We ended up with a very, very large saving, and CONNY is entitled to a share of that.
Would you hire CONNY again?
I would hire CONNY again any time to enforce my rights as a tenant and to see whether I can lower my rent.
What could CONNY still improve, in your view?
In my view, CONNY could improve its visibility across Germany. That would give even more people the chance to lower their rent. On the other hand, it is important that CONNY makes clear there really is no cost risk – that you can hire CONNY for free and only hand over part of the payment if the case succeeds.
What is your verdict? What would you advise other people in a similar situation?
My verdict is absolutely positive. We pay less rent and get a large refund, which we can turn into a holiday. So I would advise my friends and acquaintances to hire CONNY and see whether they can lower their rent.
Thank you for the interview. Fingers crossed you can take your planned holiday soon.