The Union parliamentary group is calling for revisions to Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig’s (SPD) draft tenancy law.
Deputy Union leadership spokesman Günter Krings told the Funke‑Media Group that the bill needs “adjustments in certain areas”. He cited specific issues with index‑rented contracts and short‑term leases, warning that otherwise a potentially tenant‑friendly instrument could become unattractive.
Crucially, the draft would bring more transparency to furnished rentals, but the fixed five‑per‑cent fee is seen as likely to create new conflicts. Hubig’s proposal would deem a furnishing surcharge reasonable as long as it does not exceed five per cent of the net base rent for fully equipped accommodation.
Krings also insisted that the planned grace‑period payment must be clearly limited to situations where homelessness is a real risk. “In addition to tenant protection, small landlords also need protection from tenants who refuse to pay” he said.
The increase of the ceiling for small renovations to €20 000-already set in the draft-is regarded as appropriate, given that construction and craft costs have risen sharply.
Finally, Krings warned that changes to tenancy law alone will not solve the housing crisis. “What matters is that the measures actually help and do not stifle investment” he added. The Union faction’s aim is to stabilize rents by making construction faster, simpler, and cheaper.
