A growing crisis in Germany’s rental market is prompting calls for federal intervention to allow states to implement rent controls. Raed Saleh, parliamentary group leader of the SPD in Berlin, is urging the national government to provide a legal framework enabling individual states to introduce measures capping rental costs.
This proposal echoes a previous attempt to curb rapidly increasing rents, which was ultimately deemed unconstitutional due to lack of federal authority over tenancy law. Saleh maintains that the fundamental concept was not flawed, but rather the means of implementation require a shift in national legislation.
The situation, he argues, necessitates regulatory action. Saleh expressed frustration with the prevailing argument from conservative parties, particularly the CDU, who advocate for market-led solutions. He stated that this approach is detached from the reality faced by renters struggling to cope with escalating costs. He positioned the desire for intervention as a responsibility, particularly as housing affordability becomes increasingly strained across the nation.
