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Suddenly, 79 Euros Due

Consumer Advocates Warn of Cost Trap with MietSofort

Apartment seekers are being scammed by a dubious online provider
Apartment seekers are being scammed by a dubious online provider Photo: Getty Images

September 21, 2026, 3:33 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Those searching online for an apartment usually expect listings and application features, not unexpected bills. However, users of the platform MietSofort report receiving a payment demand of 79 euros after registering.

Bill After Apartment Search

The pressure on the housing market is high, especially in urban areas. Many seekers therefore turn to digital platforms that are supposed to help in the search for apartments, houses, or shared rooms. MietSofort is one of these offerings. The website promises support in finding suitable rental properties and offers various features related to the application process.

For some users, however, registration ended with an unexpected demand. After registering, they received bills for 79 euros. The platform is operated by Subscription Cancel LTD from Varna, Bulgaria. According to the company, it is a paid software offering. The fee is due once, regardless of whether users actually find an apartment through the platform.

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Why Consumer Advocates Are Skeptical

The Consumer Center Hamburg considers the contract conclusion legally problematic in many cases. They have significant doubts that users are sufficiently informed about the costs during the registration process.

Criticism is particularly directed at the design of the ordering process. The crucial button is labeled “Activate Access.” The cost obligation, however, is not sufficiently highlighted. Additionally, the price information appears difficult to discern. Under German consumer law, customers must be able to clearly recognize before concluding a paid offer that they are entering into a payment obligation and what the total price will be. The design of the right of withdrawal also raises questions according to consumer advocates.

How Affected Individuals Should React

Those who receive a bill or reminder for the demanded 79 euros should not pay hastily, according to the Consumer Center. Instead, they recommend explicitly rejecting the demand and stating that no valid paid contract was concluded.

Furthermore, affected individuals can provisionally revoke and possibly contest an alleged contract. It is also important to keep all documents. This includes emails, invoices, reminders, and other documents. Screenshots of the website or the registration process can also be helpful in case of a dispute. Even the threat of a collection procedure should not prompt consumers to pay without consideration. The Consumer Center Hamburg provides a free template letter for those affected to contest the demand.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.

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