Tenants in Germany and Austria block landlord rent surcharge claims

In Dortmund, Germany, landlord Vonovia tried to impose an extra €6.40 per month on a couple, arguing they lived in a “preferred district.” The Amtsgericht Dortmund rejected the surcharge, stating it is not allowed under the local rent index. Although Vonovia has pursued similar cases en masse, it accepted the ruling for this couple.

In Vienna, Austria, the Mieterschutzverband successfully represented two former tenants of the Rankgasse in Ottakring. After filing complaints with the arbitration board, the tenants were awarded a €25,000 refund for rent that had been overpaid for years. The case underscores the importance of reviewing rent charges, especially in fixed‑term leases, and demonstrates how tenant organisations can secure back‑pay in rent disputes.