Kaltmiete and Warmmiete refer to different levels of rent. Comparing flats by a single figure is risky: you need to read what additional costs are included in each specific offer.
Find out what the figure includes
Kaltmiete is the basic rent; Warmmiete includes the agreed advance payments for service charges. But the word “warm” does not in itself mean that all the family's costs are covered. Ask for a breakdown and check which services you have to arrange separately.
Build a single comparison table
For each flat, enter the basic rent, advance payments for service charges, separate contracts and one-off payments. Mark unknown amounts with a question mark. Do not replace them with zero: that gives one option a false advantage.
How to read a listing without filling gaps with guesses
Write down each item of the offer separately: Kaltmiete, Nebenkosten (service charges), heating, parking and any other payments mentioned. Then mark what is explicitly included, what is arranged separately and what has no answer yet. An advance payment is not a promise that actual costs will stay the same. If the landlord says “all inclusive”, ask them to list what that covers. Use the same categories when comparing two flats; otherwise the flat with the more detailed listing may wrongly look more expensive simply because more of its costs are known.
Which questions to send the landlord
Ask which services are included in the stated Warmmiete, which contracts you have to take out yourself and how the payments are described in the draft contract. Ask separately about appliances, parking and other paid options that matter to your family. Keep the answers with the specific flat. If your messages and the contract differ, resolve the discrepancy before signing. In your own calculation, keep one-off move-in costs separate from recurring payments: a single total cost for the flat does not show when you will need the money.
What to check
- Check heating and hot water.
- Check electricity and internet.
- Note any parking fee.
- Compare costs for the same household size.
Example situation
A lower Warmmiete does not guarantee lower overall costs if separate connections and transport are noticeably more expensive.
Next step
Compare the full picture of living costs, keeping the difference between a known price and a preliminary estimate.
Official information on this topic
Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.
This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.