Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has announced plans to tighten existing rent control regulations and suggested that a new package will be developed to address excessively high rent prices. Speaking to “Bild am Sonntag” the SPD politician explained that the goal of making the rent price brake stricter is specifically to target those landlords who deliberately violate the current rules. Currently, such landlords are only required to pay back the amount of rent they should not have charged.
When pressed on the reaction to these policies from landlords who are considering selling their properties rather than renting them out, Hubig stated that people can no longer afford housing, and she intends to change this reality. She emphasized that her focus is on the irresponsible individuals-the “black sheep”-and not on honest landlords. She noted that it would be impossible to quantify the number of offenders because many people simply accept these unfair practices.
Hubig appealed to landlords considering selling their properties, urging them to continue renting. She stressed that people urgently need rental housing, and the more supply available, the better the prices will naturally regulate, thereby reducing the need for state intervention.
Regarding when housing prices might improve, Hubig pointed to a recent dip in rents the previous year as an encouraging sign. She remains optimistic that conditions will continue to improve during the current legislative term, noting that the necessary laws are already completed.
