Düsseldorf rent index from 1 August 2026: rules, locations, and NRW MietSchVO to 31 December 2029

What took effect on 1 August 2026

Düsseldorf has a new rent index (Mietspiegel) for non‑price‑controlled housing, valid from 1 August 2026. It is a joint product of Haus & Grund Düsseldorf and the Mieterverein Düsseldorf. The 2026 document states plainly that it is an “einfacher Mietspiegel” within the meaning of § 558c BGB and the Mietspiegelverordnung (MsV). It is therefore an official overview of local comparable rents, but not a “qualified” rent index under § 558d BGB. The PDF and its documentation are freely available online. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf))

The compilers conducted a new data collection in spring 2026, evaluating rents that changed or were newly agreed in the six‑year window required by § 558(2) BGB (here: since 2020). After plausibility checks and joint conferences in June 2026, the associations approved the text and published it on 1 August 2026. The document notes that Düsseldorf’s courts and valuation experts use this rent index as a basis. ([miete-duesseldorf.de](https://miete-duesseldorf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dokumentation_Mietspiegel_Duesseldorf_08-2026s.pdf))

Because it is an “einfacher Mietspiegel”, it does not carry the statutory presumption of correctness given to a “qualifizierter Mietspiegel” by § 558d(3) BGB. In practice, landlords can still use it to justify rent increases under § 558 BGB, but in a dispute they may supplement it with comparable flats or expert opinion. ([gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__558d.html?utm_source=openai))

How to read the 2026 table: base values and adjustments

The printed table is organised by building year bands and by location quality (simple, medium, good). For each field it shows a rent range and a mid‑point (Mittelwert) in €/m² per month. Calculation starts from the mid‑point of the correct field and then applies permitted surcharges and discounts. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf))

Key adjustments include: - Modernisation: For buildings up to 1985, if three of six listed modernisation features are met (e.g., façade insulation, renewed electrics, modernised bathrooms) and insulated glazing is present, the rent can be placed between mid‑point and the upper end of the band; with more features, it may exceed the top of the band. Without features, placement may be between the lower end and mid‑point. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf)) - Small units: Apartments up to 30 m² get a 20% surcharge, tapering linearly to 5% at 45 m². Large units: above roughly 120–125 m², a size discount from 0.5% to 3% begins, then 1% for each further 5 m² up to a 20% maximum; this discount does not apply in good locations or preferred quarters. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf)) - Equipment: Typical line items are +0.30 €/m² for a lift; −0.35 €/m² if insulated glazing is missing; reductions for under‑ or semi‑basement units; and significant € reductions if central heating and/or bathroom are missing. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf)) - One‑ and two‑family houses: a 10% to 20% surcharge on the mid‑point may be justified depending on location and specification. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf))

The rent index cites the MsV as the governing federal regulation on content, documentation and publication of rent indices. The documentation confirms free online access and describes the 2026 data collection and plausibility checks. ([miete-duesseldorf.de](https://miete-duesseldorf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Dokumentation_Mietspiegel_Duesseldorf_08-2026s.pdf))

Location categories and Düsseldorf’s city‑quarter adjustments

The table uses three base location qualities: simple, medium and good. “Good” typically means greener streets and less through‑traffic with good public transport to the centre; “simple” covers mixed‑use or more affected environments. The rent index then allows city‑quarter adjustments on top of the base location. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf))

According to the 2026 text, preferred quarters justify surcharges of 5% to 15% for Oberkassel, Niederkassel and Carlstadt; and 0% to 5% for Wittlaer, Kaiserswerth, Kalkum, Lörick, Stockum, Pempelfort, Golzheim, Altstadt, Düsseltal and Unterbilk. Discounts apply in less sought‑after quarters: 0% to 3% for Flingern‑Süd, Holthausen and Reisholz; and 3% to 5% for Lichtenbroich, Rath, Lierenfeld, Wersten, Hassels, Garath and Eller. Always assess the micro‑location of the specific building at a quarter’s edge. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf))

Interaction with NRW’s MietSchVO through 31 December 2029

North Rhine‑Westphalia re‑issued its Mieterschutzverordnung (MietSchVO NRW) on 28 January 2025, in force since 1 March 2025. An amending regulation of 28 October 2025 extended the rent‑brake clause to 31 December 2029. In the consolidated version dated 7 November 2025, § 3(2) states that § 1(1) (the rent‑brake application clause) expires on 31 December 2029, while the remainder of the regulation expires on 28 February 2030. Düsseldorf is listed in the annex as covered for the rent brake and the 15% cap areas. ([recht.nrw.de](https://recht.nrw.de/system/files/pdf/law-and-ordinance-gazette/2025/01/28/908e71/verordnung-zur-festlegung-des-anwendungsbereiches-.pdf))

What this means in practice: - Rent brake on re‑letting: In Düsseldorf, a new tenancy starting in the period covered by the regulation may not exceed the local comparable rent by more than 10%, unless a statutory exception applies. The reference point is the local comparable rent under § 558(2) BGB, for which the Düsseldorf rent index is a recognised tool. Statutory exceptions include first letting of new buildings and first letting after comprehensive modernisation; certain modernisations within three years can also allow a higher rent under § 556e BGB. ([gesetze-im-internet.juris.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.juris.de/bgb/__556d.html?utm_source=openai)) - 15% “Kappungsgrenze” in existing tenancies: For covered municipalities (including Düsseldorf), cumulative rent increases within three years are capped at 15% under § 558(3) BGB as activated by the MietSchVO NRW. Any increase must still remain within the local comparable rent as evidenced, e.g., by the rent index. ([recht.nrw.de](https://recht.nrw.de/system/files/pdf/law-and-ordinance-gazette/2025/01/28/908e71/verordnung-zur-festlegung-des-anwendungsbereiches-.pdf)) - Eight‑year conversion protection: Where a rented unit is converted into a condominium and then sold, NRW sets the tenant’s notice‑protection period at eight years in the designated municipalities. ([recht.nrw.de](https://recht.nrw.de/system/files/pdf/law-and-ordinance-gazette/2025/01/28/908e71/verordnung-zur-festlegung-des-anwendungsbereiches-.pdf))

Always verify that the specific address is within the regulation’s annex list; the official annex explicitly names “Düsseldorf”. ([mhkbd.nrw](https://www.mhkbd.nrw/system/files/media/document/file/2025_01_28_pdf_mieterschutzverordnung_nrw_mietschvo_nrw.pdf))

Compliance tips and typical pitfalls

- Start from the correct field: pick the building year and base location, use the mid‑point, then apply the permitted additions and deductions line‑by‑line. Keep a worksheet in case of a tenant challenge or court review. - Do not rely on asking‑rent portals for legal ceilings. NRW law refers to the local comparable rent under the BGB; the Düsseldorf rent index and its documentation are the appropriate starting points. ([hausundgrundddf.de](https://hausundgrundddf.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mietspiegel-Duesseldorf-08-2026_web_s.pdf)) - Watch exemptions carefully when re‑letting: new build first letting and first letting after comprehensive modernisation are outside the rent brake; smaller modernisations may still justify a higher start rent under § 556e BGB, but documentation is essential. ([gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__556f.html?utm_source=openai)) - Existing tenancy increases must satisfy both tests: within the 15% three‑year cap (because Düsseldorf is in the NRW annex) and within the local comparable rent demonstrated via the index. ([mhkbd.nrw](https://www.mhkbd.nrw/system/files/media/document/file/2025_01_28_pdf_mieterschutzverordnung_nrw_mietschvo_nrw.pdf)) - High stakes: overcharging at lease start can trigger back‑payment claims under the rent‑brake regime. For non‑German speakers, engage a specialist: a Fachanwalt für Miet‑ und Wohnungseigentumsrecht for legal questions, and a publicly appointed valuer for rent calculations.

The city also publishes periodical statistics on asking rents by size band and district. These are helpful for market context but do not replace the legal benchmarks used for rent‑brake and § 558 BGB calculations. ([duesseldorf.de](https://www.duesseldorf.de/medienportal/pressedienst-einzelansicht/pld/angebotsmieten-in-duesseldorf-2025-gestiegen?utm_source=openai))