The Union faction is calling for improvements to the draft rent law presented by Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig. Deputy Union faction chairman Günter Krings told the Funke Media newspapers that the proposal still needs “adjustments in some places”. He singled out index rents and short‑term leasing agreements as areas that require correction; otherwise “an instrument that could otherwise be good for tenants would become entirely unattractive”.
Krings said that greater transparency for furnished apartments is sensible, but the rigid five‑percent flat rate could create new conflicts. Under Hubig’s plan, a furnishing surcharge would be considered reasonable only if it does not exceed five percent of the net cold rent for fully furnished dwellings.
The proposed grace‑period payment must be clearly targeted at areas where homelessness is a threat. “In addition to tenant protection, small landlords must also be shielded from tenants who refuse to pay” Krings added.
He praised the rise in the limit for small renovations from the draft to 20 000 €-a move he sees as justified given the higher costs of construction and trade.
Krings cautioned that changes to the rent law alone will not solve the housing crisis. “What matters is that measures truly help and do not deter investment”. The Union faction seeks to stabilize rents by making it easier, faster, and cheaper to build.