The Federal Minister of Justice, Stefanie Hubig (SPD), has proposed easing restrictions to help tenants install air conditioning and sun shades to improve protection against heat. In response, the Owners’ Association Haus und Grund reacted cautiously.
According to Haus-und-Grund President Kai Warnecke, who spoke to the “Rheinische Post” (Thursday edition), while he acknowledges that better heat protection in apartments is a sensible concern given hotter summers, he stressed that “heat protection must not become a loophole to gradually erode owners’ rights.” He argued that an owner cannot simply be forced into a decision regarding structural changes to their property.
Warnecke suggested that instead of introducing continuous new legal mandates and government interventions, there is a greater need for trust in local people. He stated that tenants and landlords are adult contractual partners and should discuss which measures are practical, technically feasible, and economically sound in a specific case. Haus-und-Grund believes that politicians should create reasonable frameworks, rather than legislating away further control over private property.
Minister Hubig had previously told the “Rheinische Post” that “even classic legal policy can contribute to heat protection.” She specifically mentioned housing law, suggesting possibilities, such as making it easier for tenants to equip their apartments with air conditioning or sun shades.
In contrast, the Tenants’ Association welcomed the initiative. Melanie Weber-Moritz, President of the German Tenants’ Association, told the “Rheinische Post” that “heat protection is health protection and must finally be enshrined in tenancy law.” She emphasized that tenants require clear rights when their apartments continuously warm up during the summer, concluding, “That is why we welcome the initiative by Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig to strengthen heat protection in tenancy law.”
