Rental Deposit Calculator
Calculate the rental deposit and potential interest income. Maximum three months' net cold rent. Free with amortization schedule, interest comparison, examples.
Maximum Deposit (3 months base rent)
€2,400.00
Installment Payment (§ 551 para. 2 BGB)
Interest Earnings (5 J.)
€185.48
Final Value incl. Interest
€2,585.48
Interest / Month (avg.)
€3.09
Note: The landlord must invest the deposit separately in a deposit account (§ 551 para. 3 BGB).
The interest belongs to the tenant and increases the deposit amount.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How high can the rental deposit be?
By law, the rental deposit cannot exceed three months of net cold rent (Kaltmiete). Utilities and heating costs are not included. The landlord must invest the deposit in a separate account.
When must the deposit be returned?
The landlord must return the deposit within a reasonable period after the tenancy ends, typically 3-6 months. They may retain a portion for outstanding claims or utility bill settlements.
Are my entered amounts stored anywhere?
No. All calculations happen exclusively in your browser. Your inputs are never sent to our server or stored. You can safely enter sensitive financial data.
Guide
Quick Answer
The rental deposit calculator computes the maximum deposit amount and the interest income if the deposit is invested in a savings account.
What is the Rental Deposit Calculator?
The rental deposit calculator computes the maximum deposit amount and the interest income if the deposit is invested in a savings account.
How does the Rental Deposit Calculator work?
Enter the monthly cold rent. The calculator determines the maximum deposit (3 months cold rent) and shows investment options: savings account, deposit passbook or deposit insurance. Interest income and costs are compared.
Key Data and Facts
Maximum deposit: 3 months net cold rent (Section 551 BGB). Payment in 3 monthly instalments permitted. Landlord must invest the deposit separately and with interest.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the rental deposit step by step: 1. Enter the monthly base rent: The net base rent without additional costs as stated in the rental contract. 2. Calculate the maximum deposit: 3 x monthly base rent (Paragraph 551 BGB). A higher deposit is not permitted. 3. Check the payment method: The deposit may be paid in 3 equal monthly instalments. The first instalment is due at the start of the tenancy. 4. Choose the form of investment: Deposit savings account (safe, low interest), rental deposit insurance (annual premium, no capital tied up) or deposit custody account. 5. Estimate the interest income: With a savings account approx. 0.5-1.5 % p.a. The interest belongs to the tenant. 6. Repayment: After the end of the tenancy the landlord has a reasonable review period (approx. 3-6 months). Example: Base rent 750 EUR/month. Maximum deposit: 3 x 750 = 2,250 EUR. Instalment payment: 3 x 750 EUR (months 1-3). Deposit savings account at 1.0 % interest, 5-year tenancy: 2,250 x 1.01^5 = 2,364 EUR. Interest income: 114 EUR (belongs to the tenant). Rental deposit insurance: approx. 4.5 % annual premium = 101.25 EUR/year. Over 5 years: 506.25 EUR. Advantage: 2,250 EUR remains available as liquidity.
Calculation Example
Base rent EUR 750. Max. deposit: EUR 2,250. Savings account (1.0%, 5 years): interest income EUR 114. Deposit insurance: EUR 101.25/year = EUR 506.25 over 5 years, but no capital tied up.
Sources · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Deutsche Bundesbank
- Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin)
- Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis)
Full methodology at Methodology.
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