The Union caucus urges amendments to the draft tenancy‑law proposal presented by Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD). Deputy caucus chairman Günter Krings told the newspapers of the Funke Media Group that the draft still needs “adjustments in some areas”. He cited index rents and short‑term lease contracts as examples where corrections are necessary, warning that without them a tool that could benefit tenants would become unattractive.
He also noted that while increasing transparency for furnished apartments is sensible, the current rigid five‑percent surcharge could spark new conflicts. According to Hubig’s plan, a furnishing surcharge would be considered fair if, in fully equipped dwellings, it does not exceed five percent of the net basic rent.
Krings further stressed that the proposed grace‑period payment must be clearly limited to situations where homelessness is a risk, adding that small landlords also need protection from tenants who are unwilling to pay.
The increase of the ceiling for small renovations to €20,000-a provision already in the draft-is deemed appropriate by Krings, citing the higher costs of construction and trade.
He cautioned that reforming tenancy law alone will not solve the housing crisis. “It is essential that the measures truly help and do not deter investment” he said. The Union caucus aims to stabilise rents by making new construction faster, simpler, and more affordable.
