Rent reduced by almost 200 euros within one week: How Tamás from Berlin-Moabit was able to enforce his right to a fair rent
Tamás from Berlin-Moabit paid around 550 euros for about 40 m² of living space. A bit steep – but expats often simply accept these horrendous rents, as they are used to high rents from other large cities in Europe and the USA. Not Tamás: he checked his overpriced rent with the online calculator and was able to save 190 euros in rent per month within a short time!
How was CONNY able to help you?
By reducing my rent under the rent brake (Mietpreisbremse).
What was your problem and how did you become aware of CONNY?
After reading an article about CONNY, I decided to double-check my rent, as I was sure I was definitely paying more than I should. After I contacted CONNY – a team of lawyers-turned-activists fighting the incredible rent increases – I mandated them to contact my property management company (Hausverwaltung), and within a week my rent was reduced based on the rent index (Mietspiegel). So now, in Moabit, instead of 550 euros net cold rent (Kaltmiete), I have been paying 190.68 euros less per month for a year already. In my case, they reduced it to the local comparative rent + 10 %. As I understand it, + 10 % is still within the legal limit. So in my case 7.48 euros/m² is the local comparative rent, and under the new conditions I now pay 8.22 euros/m², which is exactly 10 % higher. Previously I paid 12.59 euros/m²! My rental contract is open-ended and not with a private individual.
What were your concerns before you commissioned CONNY? Were you afraid to confront your landlord with this? What became of your fears?
I believe I was extremely lucky. Once CONNY sent an official letter to my property management company (Hausverwaltung), they responded positively the next day, and from the following month I was already paying the new, reduced rent.
How did the process work out for you, and how much rent were you able to save?
I save 190.68 euros per month – my new net cold rent (Kaltmiete) is 349.32 euros instead of 550 euros. I was really happy with the cooperation and the service from CONNY. They also speak English, and they were always ready to help me with any of my questions. If you do not speak proper German, I can recommend asking one of your German neighbours for help when you start filling in the form on their website. This form helps you get a proper calculation so you can see what the legally permitted net cold rent (Kaltmiete) you should be paying would be.
What is your conclusion from your experience with CONNY? What would you like to share with others in a similar situation?
The cooperation was quick and effective, and I really liked the option in the chat to request a call-back. The colleagues at CONNY were really helpful and always ready to clarify all my questions throughout the whole procedure. I can definitely recommend the CONNY team and wish you a successful cooperation. :)