Housing and contracts
Kaltmiete
Net cold rent
Last updated: September 28, 2026
What does Kaltmiete mean?
Kaltmiete (net cold rent) is the base rent for the flat alone, without service charges or heating. Warmmiete is the total you pay each month: Kaltmiete plus the advance for service charges (Nebenkosten) including heating. Listings often show the Kaltmiete, so budget with the Warmmiete, plus electricity, internet and the broadcasting fee on top.
Key facts
| Kaltmiete | Base rent only |
| Warmmiete | Kaltmiete + service charges + heating |
| Usually extra | Electricity, internet, Rundfunkbeitrag |
| Deposit based on | Net cold rent |
What to do
- Always ask for the Warmmiete and what the Nebenkosten advance includes.
- Budget electricity separately: it is usually your own contract.
- The deposit (Kaution) is calculated on the Kaltmiete, at most three times.
Worth knowing
Wohngeld uses a third figure: the Bruttokaltmiete, meaning rent plus service charges but without heating.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Kaltmiete and Warmmiete?
Kaltmiete is the base rent only. Warmmiete adds the monthly advance for service charges and heating, and is what actually leaves your account each month.
Is electricity included in the Warmmiete?
Usually not. Household electricity is normally your own contract with an energy provider, on top of the Warmmiete.
Read next
Sources
More German terms: housing and contracts
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