In 2015, Berlin passed the Mietpreisbremse law. It's a rent control law that limits the rents in Berlin.
Conny is a legal service that helps people apply the Mietpreisbremse, and reduce their rent. Before, it was called Wenigermiete. In this guide, I review their business model, their success rate, and their user reviews.
This article was not suggested, written or approved by Conny. I have done independent research, and these opinions are my own.
How does it work?
This is how the rent reduction process goes:
- Calculate your rent reduction
Use their rent reduction calculator. You must answer a few questions about your apartment, and upload a copy of your lease. This takes around 10 minutes. You can do it in English. After you filled the form, they tell you how much you can save on rent. The average rent reduction is around 200€ per month. This is an optimistic calculation1, 2. Your rent reduction can be smaller than the estimation. - Send required documents
You will get an email from Conny. It will ask you to send them a signed Vollmacht and a copy of your lease. They need this document to represent you. The email also contains a link to your case. It allows you to check the status of your case. - Wait
Once your case is accepted, you must wait. You might have to wait a few months. Some cases take a very long time to resolve. - Results
If the case is successful, you will receive a refund directly in your back account. If the case is not successful, you will receive a message explaining why.
You only pay if it works
Conny tries to get your rent reduced. If they are successful, they keep 5 times the amount you save each month. If they are not successful, you pay nothing. If the case goes to court, you will not pay any extra fees.
For example, if they reduce your rent by 200€ per month, they will keep 5 × 200€, or 1,000€.
It takes a long time
Most cases take months to process. If your case goes to court, you must wait around 12 months. Some cases are solved in 2 to 4 months. If you are lucky, it can be solved in 1 week. Even if it takes a long time, the refund is retroactive, so you are not losing more money while you wait.
During that time, you don't get many updates. Many negative reviews mention the long wait times1. This is not Conny's fault — it's just a very slow process. The landlords and the courts can delay cases for months1, 2.
As Conny wins more court cases, many landlords choose to cooperate, instead of going to court. Those cases get resolved faster.
It can make your landlord angry
Your landlord can't kick you out because you asked for a rent reduction1, 2. Your landlord can't refuse to renew your lease, or stop providing services to you.
However, your landlord can find ways to make your life more difficult1. For example, one user lost their garage space and their garden access1. Another user says their landlord stopped answering their calls1.
Your landlord can also find legal reasons to end your lease1. For example, if you sublet your apartment without permission1, or keep a pet without permission, your landlord could kick you out.
You have to decide what is more important for you: the money you save, or your relationship with your landlord.
…but it works
The most important part: this service works. One of my friends is saving 324€ per month thanks to them. There are many more success stories online.
They speak English
The Conny team speaks English. Their website is also available in English.
Conclusion: can you trust Conny?
Yes, you can. Conny does what it promises. It just takes a very long time, and that you will not get many updates while you wait. You must be patient.
Conny has generally positive reviews1, 2. They received many positive mentions in the press. Almost all the negative reviews mention the lack of communication1, 2, 3, 4. Many also complain about the slow process1, 2, 3.
If you try to get your rent reduced, your landlord could be angry at you. In my opinion, it's better to save money than to be friends with your landlord. That's the only risk. If you can't get a rent reduction, you don't pay anything.
In general, I think using Conny is a good idea, even if their service is not perfect. If you can save hundreds or even thousands of euros, it's worth the trouble. Just visit their website, get a quote, and decide if it's worth it for you.
Alternatives to Conny
A tenants' association (Mieterverein) can also help you pay less rent. For example, Berliner Mieterverein can check your lease, and tell you if you are paying too much rent. After you join a Mieterverein, you must wait a few months before you use their legal services1, 2.
You can also contact a lawyer. You will get much better customer service, but it will cost you more, even if you don't get any rent reduction. If you have legal insurance, then a lawyer is the best option.