Data collection for the city of Chemnitz's new rent index begins
How much can a rented flat cost? To answer this question, the city of Chemnitz prepares a qualified rent index every four years.
The rent index is an important tool for informing all citizens, i.e. tenants and landlords, about the local rent structure. The rent index publicises the average rents paid for flats of a comparable type, size, furnishings, quality and location (local comparative rents). The transparency of local rent levels promotes social harmony and helps to avoid legal disputes.
Help from citizens needed
The rent index can only be compiled if as many residents as possible are willing to provide information about their tenancy. In order to collect the necessary data, selected rental households will receive a questionnaire by post in the next few days. The group of respondents was obtained via a random selection of households from the residents' register. A few questions will first be used to check whether the flat is relevant for the rent index and the updating of the accommodation and heating cost guidelines. If so, further information is requested on the size of the flat, rent and ancillary costs, furnishings and location.
Providing this information is voluntary. However, any lack of information reduces the reliability of the results. In order to obtain a complete and accurate picture of the rent structure, the City of Chemnitz relies on the co-operation of its citizens and asks the households contacted to take part in this survey.
The rent index survey is of course subject to strict data protection regulations. The protection of personal data is guaranteed. The name and address of the respondents are not recorded on the questionnaire and cannot be linked to the survey results, even retrospectively. It is therefore not possible to draw conclusions about the respondents during the analysis.
If households have any questions, they can contact the authorities by dialling 115 or sending an e-mail to d115(at)stadt-chemnitz.de.