Mineko

Mineko is a Berlin-based legal tech startup that specialises in reviewing German rental agreements (Mietverträge) and Nebenkostenabrechnungen (utility cost statements) — two documents where errors, illegally unfair clauses, and overcharging are extremely common but difficult for non-specialists to detect.

For expats signing a rental contract in Germany, understanding what you are actually agreeing to is critical. German tenancy law gives landlords limited rights to impose additional obligations or unfair terms — but many landlords include illegal clauses that tenants unknowingly accept. Mineko’s contract review service identifies these clauses and advises on their enforceability.

The Nebenkosten (utility and service charge) review service is equally valuable: studies consistently show that a significant proportion of German Nebenkostenabrechnungen contain errors or overcharges. Mineko reviews these statements line by line, identifies discrepancies, and helps tenants recover overpaid amounts — typically recovering more than the cost of the service itself.

Both services are available in German and are relevant to any tenant in Germany, but are particularly valuable for expats who lack the language proficiency and legal knowledge to review these documents independently. Mineko’s digital service model makes it accessible from anywhere, with clear pricing and fast turnaround.