Rent reduction excluded in the contract – may the landlord do that?
Likely invalid — such a clause does not bind you.
For residential leases, any agreement deviating to the tenant's detriment from the rent-reduction rules is void (§ 536 (4) BGB). The right to reduce rent for defects cannot be excluded or limited by standard terms.
What you can do next
Diese Klausel ist unwirksam. Sie dürfen die Miete bei Mängeln mindern; dokumentieren Sie Mängel mit Fotos und einer Mängelanzeige.
The law behind it
Check your own clause — free
Paste the clause from your contract. You get the verdict for your wording in a few seconds.
The check compares your clause with patterns verified by lawyers and the current statute text. It is general information, not legal advice for your individual case.
Free risk preview, full report €6,90 — every problem clause with the law behind it and what to do.
Check the whole contractRelated questions
- Set-off ban in a rental contract – can the landlord do that?
- Fixed-term rental contract without a reason – is the term valid?
- Landlord may enter the flat at any time – is that allowed?
- Administration and repair costs billed as operating costs – do I have to pay?
- No annual operating-cost statement in the contract – allowed?
- Flat-rate operating costs without reconciliation – what applies?
General information based on German law and court decisions, checked by lawyers — not legal advice for your individual case.