Union members are calling for revisions to the draft tenancy law presented by Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD). Deputy Union caucus chair Günter Krings told the Funke-Media Group’s newspapers that the proposal still needs adjustments in a few areas. “Corrections are needed, for example, concerning index‑based rents and short‑term lease contracts; otherwise a tool that is generally good for tenants would become unattractive altogether” he said.
Krings highlighted that while increased transparency for furnished rentals is sensible, the rigid five‑percent flat fee could spark new conflicts. According to Hubig’s plan, a furnishing surcharge would be deemed acceptable if it does not exceed five percent of the net basic rent for fully equipped dwellings.
The draft also proposes a grace‑period payment that must be clearly limited to situations where homelessness is a threat. “Besides tenant protection, small landlords also need protection against non‑paying tenants” Krings added.
On the subject of small‑scale renovations, the draft raises the threshold to €20,000, a move Krings praised as justified by the steep rise in construction and craftsmanship costs.
Krings warned that changes to tenancy law alone will not solve the housing crisis. “What matters is that the measures really help and do not deter investment” he emphasized. The Union caucus aims to stabilize rents by making construction faster, simpler, and cheaper.
