Darmstadt updates comparative rents for 2026 – obligation to provide information for households
Darmstadt. written survey for the new 2026 Qualified Rent Index will begin in November 2025 in the science city of Darmstadt . Mayor Barbara Akdeniz , the survey serves to update local comparative rents and is being conducted in cooperation with the Institute for Housing and the Environment (IWU) . The new rent index is scheduled to be published in June 2026
"The Qualified Rent Index has proven itself in Darmstadt as a recognized benchmark for both tenants and landlords," says Akdeniz. "It also provides valuable support to authorities, courts, and institutions in assessing rental issues."
Preparation according to scientific principles
The city commissioned the IWU (Institute for Energy and Water Management) to conduct the study following a public tender. The Darmstadt-based research institute combines scientific expertise in the fields of housing, urban development, and energy efficiency , providing a representative data basis .
As before, the survey will be conducted in writing via a questionnaire, which can also online . Participation is mandatory , as the Rent Index Reform Act of 2021 a nationwide obligation . Households contacted by mail are therefore obligated to provide information – violations can be punished with fines .
Process and participation
First, tenants surveyed. Participation is free of charge , and the questionnaire can be returned by mail. This will be followed – approximately three weeks later – by a survey of landlords , who will be asked to provide additional information on energy-related or other modernizations .
hotline and email address will be available to answer any questions. Information and access will be available on the IWU website at www.iwu.de/aktuell .
Significance of the Qualified Rent Index
The Qualified Rent Index creates transparency in the housing market and helps legal peace between tenants and landlords . It is based on Sections 558 c and d of the German Civil Code (BGB). Unlike a simple rent index, the Qualified Rent Index is compiled according to recognized scientific principles and based on representative data .
The current 2022 rent index , updated in 2024, is based on data from 2021 and has proven its worth in practice. The new survey is intended to ensure that Darmstadt continues to up-to-date, reliable comparative rents .
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip/DK)
