Increased Transparency in Housing Sector: Qualified Rents to Debut in Greifswald by 2026
The University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald are set to revolutionise the local rental market with the introduction of a Qualified Rent Index (QRI) in March 2026. This significant move aims to provide a more realistic picture of the comparative rent in the city.
Currently, the city's rent index is a Simple Rent Index (SRI), last updated in 2024. Unlike the QRI, the SRI is based on information primarily from large housing companies, which may not offer a comprehensive view of the local rental market.
To remedy this, the QRI will be based on extensive data collection and analysis. This will include data from private landlords, ensuring a balanced representation of the rental market by surveying both tenants and landlords, including private providers.
The data collection for the QRI will take place from September to October 2025. An online survey will be conducted, inviting randomly selected landlords and tenants to participate. The research institute involved in creating the QRI is the University of Greifswald, with the Hamburg-based research institute FUB IGES providing scientific support.
The QRI will cover details about the rental agreement, building properties, apartment size, equipment, and energy infrastructure. Failure to provide information for the survey could result in an administrative offense procedure with fines of up to 5,000 euros.
The creation of the QRI will be carried out in cooperation with the existing working group on rent index, consisting of representatives from the housing industry, tenants, and administration. This working group will accompany the creation in a specialist capacity.
The QRI is scheduled to be published on March 1, 2026. This index will provide a reliable basis for rent increases under § 558 of the German Civil Code (BGB). Furthermore, the QRI supports the effective application of rental instruments such as the rent brake or rent cap.
The city administration is asking for support from those contacted for the survey. By participating, residents can contribute to a more accurate and fair representation of the local rental market. The QRI, with its comprehensive data collection and analysis, will serve as a valuable tool for both tenants and landlords, offering a clearer understanding of local rent trends.
