Rent control in Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and Roth: regulations, exceptions and tips

The rent freeze is a key instrument for regulating the rental market in high-demand regions such as the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and Roth. However, it applies not only in the central cities of this region, but also in neighbouring cities and districts that have also been designated as areas with a tight housing market. This affects numerous municipalities that are experiencing high demand for housing due to their proximity to urban centres. Both tenants and landlords must be familiar with the regulations of the rent freeze in order to act in accordance with the law.

In this text you will find out exactly what the rent freeze is, how it works and which cities and districts near Nuremberg, Fürth and Erlangen are affected.

What is the rent freeze?

The rent freeze is a legal measure that was introduced to limit the rapid rise in rents in areas with a tight housing market. It applies in numerous cities and municipalities in Germany, including parts of the Nuremberg metropolitan region, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and Roth. The law states that when re-letting a flat, the rent may not be more than 10 % above the local comparative rent. This regulation is intended to ensure that rents do not rise uncontrollably and that the housing market remains affordable for people on average incomes.

How does the rent freeze work?

The rent freeze applies to new lettings of existing flats in areas that have been designated as „tight housing markets“ by the state governments. In practice, this means that landlords may only raise the rent up to 10 % above the local comparative rent. The comparative rent is usually determined on the basis of the rent index of the respective city, taking into account factors such as location, size, furnishings and year of construction of the flat.

Exceptions and special regulations

Although the rent freeze is intended to protect tenants, there are some important exceptions:

• New buildings: Apartments that were first used or rented out after 1 October 2014 are exempt from the rent freeze. The reason for this is that new buildings should not be deterred by regulatory measures.
• Comprehensively modernised flatsIf a flat has been extensively modernised, the landlord can also raise the rent above the 10 % limit.
• Pre-rentalIf the previous tenant's rent is already above the comparative rent, the landlord may maintain this rent without observing the rent cap.

Affected cities and districts near Nuremberg, Fürth and Erlangen

In addition to the major cities of Nuremberg, Fürth and Erlangen, there are other cities and districts in the metropolitan region that are affected by the rent freeze. These include:

• SchwabachAs part of the metropolitan region and due to its proximity to Nuremberg, the rent cap also applies here in order to regulate the sharp price increases in sought-after residential areas.
• RothThe town of Roth and surrounding communities in the district of Roth are also among the areas in which the rent freeze applies, as the demand for housing has also increased sharply here.
• HerzogenaurachThis town in the district of Erlangen-Höchstadt, known for attracting large companies, has a high demand for housing, which means that the rent cap applies.
• Zirndorf and OberasbachThese towns in the district of Fürth are popular places to live due to their proximity to Nuremberg and are also affected by the rent freeze.
• Districts of Nürnberger Land and Erlangen-HöchstadtIn these districts, which border Nuremberg and Erlangen to the north and east, the rent cap also applies in certain municipalities, particularly those with a high population density and a strong influx of new residents.

However, the rent freeze does not apply across the board, but only in designated areas. It is therefore advisable to find out about the exact regulations in the respective municipality.

Example of the application of the rent freeze

Imagine you want to let a flat in Erlangen for which the local comparative rent is €12/m². According to the regulations of the rent freeze, you are allowed to set the rent for a new letting at a maximum of €13.20/m², i.e. 10 % above the comparative rent. However, if the flat has been extensively modernised, you may be allowed to set a higher rent. It is therefore advisable to check the exact regulations and exceptions to the rent freeze before setting the rent.

Tips for tenants and landlords in the region

1. TenantBefore renting a flat, find out about the local comparative rent and check whether the rent cap applies in your city or municipality. If you suspect that the rent is too high, you can consider taking legal action.
2. LandlordMake sure that you apply the rent cap correctly and understand the exceptions. It can be useful to seek advice from an expert to avoid legal errors.
3. DocumentationBoth tenants and landlords should carefully document all agreements and rental contracts in order to be on the safe side in the event of discrepancies.

Use the service of my-home.de, to get professional advice on the regulations of the rent freeze. Our experts will help you to implement the legal requirements correctly and avoid potential pitfalls.

Recommendations and concluding remarks

Whether you are a landlord in the Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach or Roth metropolitan region renting out a new flat or a tenant looking for a new flat - the rent freeze can have a decisive influence on the rent. It is therefore important to understand the regulations in detail and to know when the rent freeze applies and when it does not.

Let an experienced expert help you with my-home.de to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that you do not make any mistakes that could cost you dearly later on.

In conclusion, it can be said that the rent freeze is a useful instrument for limiting rent increases, but that it brings with it many legal exceptions and uncertainties. Both landlords and tenants should therefore seek comprehensive information and advice.

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