Deposit calculator

How high may your rental deposit be? § 551 BGB caps it at three months' net cold rent.

How the deposit limit works

Under § 551 (1) BGB the security deposit may not exceed three times the monthly rent — the net cold rent (Nettokaltmiete), without operating-cost prepayments. Under § 551 (2) you may pay it in three equal monthly instalments; the first is due at the start of the tenancy.

A clause demanding more than three months' rent, or the full amount up front, is void to that extent.

Read more about § 551 BGB →

Check your whole rental contract

The deposit is one clause. Upload your contract for a full clause check.