Landlords in Germany have been exploiting loopholes in rent control laws for years, charging excessive fees for furnished apartments while basic rent prices remained under state control. But now, German Justice State Secretary Stefani Hubig has said: enough is enough! This practice, where landlords try to bypass rent limits by furnishing apartments with minimal items like two chairs, is about to be shut down.
In major German cities, despite rent controls, rents are rising due to high demand, influx of foreigners, inflation, and a shortage of housing supply. Landlords have so far been able to charge so-called furnishing surcharges on top of base rent, which they did not have to clearly specify in rental contracts, confusing tenants and making it hard to understand the true costs.
According to the German Tenants’ Association, 53% of households live in rented accommodation, and over three million households have to spend more than 40% of their net income on housing costs. The cost of living varies widely across Europe, but in some cities, rent can consume half of a monthly salary.
Hubig emphasized that new regulations will clearly define what landlords can charge and what they cannot, putting an end to the scams that have become commonplace. If an apartment only has a table and two chairs, it is not considered furnished and cannot be charged extra for.
This move comes in response to growing public dissatisfaction and social organizations claiming that existing rules are insufficient if they can be easily circumvented.
So, if you thought rent in Germany was under control, think again! The government is finally reacting and preparing to close the loopholes landlords have exploited for years to squeeze tenants dry.
What about you? Have you ever encountered such rent scams? Or maybe you have a hilarious landlord trick story? Share your tales so we can all laugh or debate this madness together! Who knows, maybe your story will spark an even stronger reaction!
