Sören Pellmann, the head of the Left parliamentary group, has publicly urged Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) to commit to strengthening the existing law against rent usury. In a statement to the “Rheinische Post,” Pellmann stated that rather than merely branding the paragraph as a “toothless tiger” during meetings with the German Tenants’ Association, Hubig must actively champion its overdue strengthening during the next Cabinet session.
Pellmann expressed optimism that a quick remedy is achievable, noting that legislative proposals are available both from the Federal Council and from the Left party’s own draft. He suggested that passing such a law would finally improve the living conditions for tenants across the country.
This appeal follows remarks made by Minister Hubig at the Housing Summit on Thursday. There, she acknowledged that the current rent usury provision is often a “toothless tiger”-a law that is technically in place but rarely enforced. Nevertheless, Hubig reaffirmed her intention to ensure that this statute gains real impact in the future.
