Rents up 2.5 percent year-on-year
06.12.2023
The ongoing housing pressure in the Rhine-Main conurbation continues to lead to rising rents. Since 2021, rents in Offenbach have risen by an average of 2.5 percent in all building age categories. As the rent index 2024 for the city of Offenbach presented by Mayor Sabine Groß shows, an apartment in Offenbach costs on average between EUR 5.65 net per square meter (large apartments in basic residential areas) and EUR 12.45 net (for small properties in good residential areas from the reference year 2008 to 2017). Further details can be found in the new publication issued by the Offenbach Tenants' Association and the Association of House, Apartment and Property Owners together with the municipal housing office. This is a simple rent index that is updated every two years. The price calculation is based on figures from the publishers, MainArbeit and the social welfare office. It is also based on the statistical values of the index rents from the State Statistical Office. 3,552 rental values as of June 30, 2023 were taken into account.
For the first time, the rent index is accompanied by documentation containing explanations of the respective housing categories and the principles used to evaluate the net cold rents. "The rent index is an important guide for citizens, as it provides information on the local comparative rent for various housing categories," explained Mayor Groß. "The rent index makes a significant contribution to transparency on the Offenbach housing market - it provides important indications as to whether the rent charged by the landlord is reasonable and whether a rent increase is permissible."
Where and when can I obtain the rent index?
The new table can be obtained in paper or digital form from the end of December 2023 from Mieterbund Offenbach e.V., Haus & Grund Offenbach/Main and the city's housing office. The new table will also be available on the city's website from January 2024 and can be obtained from the gatekeeper at the town hall.
What is the rent index in Offenbach?
The rent table published for the city of Offenbach am Main is a simple rent index as defined in Section 558c of the German Civil Code (BGB). It is to be adjusted to market developments every two years.
Are all apartments in Offenbach subject to the rent index?
The rent index is only used for non-price-controlled apartments (i.e. not for publicly subsidized apartments) and only for apartments between 35 and 100 square meters. There is not enough data available for apartments under 35 square meters, meaning that a statistically relevant evaluation cannot be carried out.
On what basis were the price values determined?
The rent index shows the monthly average net cold rent (local comparative rent) in euros per square meter on the basis of net cold rents that have been newly agreed or changed in the last six years.
Will the rent index help me in legal disputes?
The main area of application for rent indexes is the statutory rent increase procedure, with which the landlord can demand the tenant's consent to an increase in the agreed rent up to the local comparative rent. In addition, rent indices can also be used as a guide when concluding new rental agreements and in the case of mutually agreed changes to the rent level. Furthermore, rent indices are important when examining rent overcharges in accordance with Section 5 of the German Economic Crimes Act (WiStG) and usurious rents in accordance with Section 291 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) as well as when calculating the amount of the misoccupancy tax.
What does the rent index cost?
The rent index of the city of Offenbach is available free of charge.