In Berlin, a controversial installation of a heated towel rail is sparking a dispute between a property owner and the local district office. The owner, who lives in an old apartment in Moabit, has been at odds with the district authority for over a year regarding the installation of a modern ladder radiator in his bathroom. The district, led by Councilor Ephraim Gothe, has classified the installation as a luxury renovation that requires permission. The property owner, an IT consultant, moved into his 99-square-meter apartment five years ago and found it necessary to renovate the bathroom due to a faulty heating system. He replaced the old radiator with a stylish, matte black model, which initially cost him around 877 euros. Currently, the same model retails for approximately 524 euros. After living in the apartment for three years, the owner relocated to Stuttgart for professional reasons and attempted to find a new tenant for his apartment. To his surprise, he received a notification from the district office stating that the installation of the new toilet and radiator required approval. The owner was informed that a district representative had scrutinized his online advertisement and noted the bathroom's new features. While the owner managed to retain the new toilet, which was previously a hanging model, the district maintains that the radiator does not meet the standard for a typical Berlin apartment. According to the district office, utilizing modern bathroom fixtures could potentially lead to increased rents, which may impact the existing residential population negatively. Councilor Gothe stated that such updates could be seen as enhancing the value of the property, which could in turn affect the demographic stability of the neighborhood. The owner expressed frustration over the situation, questioning whether he needs permission to upgrade a heating system. He emphasized the absurdity of requiring governmental approval for basic home improvements. In response to inquiries, the district office stated that due to ongoing legal proceedings, it could not provide specific updates on the case. The owner has since pursued legal action against the district, escalating the matter to the administrative court. This dispute highlights broader issues concerning urban living conditions and the challenges faced by property owners in Berlin amidst strict regulations governing renovations and property standards.