Berlin’s Left Party candidate, Elif Eralp, is poised to make affordable housing the central plank of her campaign for Governing Mayor, signaling a potential shift in the city’s political landscape. In an interview with the “Tagesspiegel”, Eralp outlined plans to reinstate a rent cap on apartments owned by state-owned housing companies should she be elected in the September 2026 Abgeordnetenhaus elections. This is a significant reversal of policy, as the current coalition government of CDU and SPD repealed a similar measure implemented during the pandemic.
Eralp’s proposal would effectively freeze rents across over 300,000 apartments, addressing a critical issue for many Berlin residents facing rapidly escalating housing costs. She emphasized that the “rent question” will be the focal point of her campaign, suggesting a direct challenge to the current administration’s approach. Beyond the rent cap, Eralp is advocating for the implementation of the 2021 referendum result advocating for the expropriation of large corporate landlords like Deutsche Wohnen, a move that could potentially bring around 220,000 apartments under public control. While acknowledging that the impact of expropriation would not be immediate, she deemed it essential for ensuring long-term affordability.
Critics are already questioning the practicality and potential economic repercussions of Eralp’s ambitious plans. The previous rent cap was challenged in court and ultimately deemed unlawful, raising concerns about the legality of a renewed effort. Furthermore, the prospect of expropriating vast property portfolios is likely to trigger substantial legal battles and could potentially deter private investment in Berlin’s housing sector.
Eralp’s platform extends beyond the controversial expropriation and rent controls. She proposes establishing a task force to combat exploitative rent increases and creating a new state office for housing affairs dedicated to prosecuting illegal practices. Further, she intends to mandate that private corporations allocate at least one in three apartments for affordable rental options.
Recent polling data indicates a steady rise in support for the Left Party, currently positioning them in a strong second place behind the ruling CDU. Their victory in the February Bundestag elections within Berlin highlights their growing influence and suggests that Eralp’s focus on housing affordability could resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, forcing a renewed debate about Berlin’s future housing policies and the role of the state in securing affordable living conditions. The feasibility and broader implications of her proposals will undoubtedly be central to the upcoming election campaign.
