The German Tenants’ Association (DMB) is acknowledging Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig’s efforts to champion tenant rights, while simultaneously pressing the federal government for more decisive action. DMB President Melanie Weber-Moritz lauded Hubig’s commitment, particularly her staunch defense of improved tenant protections and her instrumental role in extending the rent control measure, deeming the current government’s efforts “greater than those of its predecessors throughout their entire term.
However, Weber-Moritz emphasized that current measures remain insufficient to effectively shield renters from exploitative rental costs. The primary obstacle to broader reforms, she argues, lies in the resistance encountered from the coalition partner, the CDU/CSU and lobbying groups representing the interests of landlords. The DMB criticizes a perceived lack of resolve within the government to overcome this opposition and prioritize the needs of tenants.
“The government must adopt a significantly clearer and more forceful stance in addressing the housing crisis” Weber-Moritz stated, asserting that planned rental law reforms are overdue given the skyrocketing rates for new rentals in urban areas. She further characterized the situation as a “social crisis” impacting the majority of Germans who rent their homes.
The DMB specifically demands stricter penalties for landlords violating rent control regulations, prosecution of landlords charging exorbitant rents and more robust oversight of index-linked rents, short-term rentals and furnished dwellings.
Justice Minister Hubig has signaled her intention to introduce significant revisions to rental law in the coming year. While acknowledging the extension of the rent control measure as a key achievement, she emphasized the need for further adjustments – pertaining to furnished housing, short-term rentals, index-linked contracts and deferred payment periods. Hubig described these upcoming changes as demanding “pragmatic solutions” and reported submitting a draft bill for internal government review before the Christmas break.
Hubig expressed ambition to see the draft legislation enacted this year, recognizing the challenging nature of the process. She insisted that these improvements represent a “shared will” within the coalition and pledged the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises regarding rental law reforms and a tangible strengthening of tenant protections. The political environment, however, suggests a complex negotiation landscape ahead, with significant pressure from landlord representatives potentially hindering the progress of wide-ranging reforms.