Districts in Berlin Intensify Regulations on Furnished Rentals Amid Rising Rents

In various districts of Berlin, the trend of short-term and furnished rentals is becoming increasingly problematic. Landlords are capitalizing on loopholes in tenancy laws, allowing them to charge rent significantly above the standard rates. This practice often circumvents the rental price brake, which aims to control rent increases.

According to a survey conducted by the dpa, several district administrations are considering measures to address this issue. The Reinickendorf district has expressed concerns about the impact of temporary furnished rentals in areas protected by social preservation laws. Officials argue that such practices remove valuable housing stock from the regular rental market and undermine the protective structures established in these areas.

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf has echoed similar sentiments, particularly regarding social conservation zones. The district administration views the systematic shift from regular rental agreements to short-term furnished rentals as problematic, exacerbating the challenges posed by rising rents and unstable tenancy conditions.

The consequence of this trend is a growing uncertainty for renters, with many facing higher rental prices and less stable living situations. District authorities are actively working to combat these changes. For example, in areas governed by social preservation laws, the administration is examining whether renting furnished apartments constitutes a change in use that requires approval. If the rental practices threaten the displacement of long-term residents, permits may be denied.

In Mitte, there is a pressing need for action. The district plans to take a firmer stance against temporary and furnished rentals, asserting that such practices conflict with the objectives of social preservation regulations. They aim to prevent the displacement of local residents and mitigate negative impacts on community social structures.

Similarly, in Pankow, officials regard the rise of furnished temporary rentals as a serious issue in light of the already strained housing market. The number of furnished rental listings has significantly outpaced traditional rental options, prompting the district to consider intervention measures.

In Tempelhof-Schöneberg, the situation is viewed with concern as well. The administration notes that rentals offered only on a temporary basis are detrimental to the regular rental market, particularly for families who find these options impractical and often unaffordable.

Neukölln has publicly committed to taking stronger action against temporary furnished rentals, especially in areas where social structures are at risk. The district's officials report a substantial increase in listings for furnished short-term rentals, rising from 300 in 2012 to nearly 3,000 last year, as per the IBB housing market report.

The administration in Neukölln sees the trend of temporary rentals as a misuse of the housing crisis and is investigating whether such practices should be classified as a change in use that requires official approval. Districts are collaborating to develop a coordinated approach to tackle this issue.

Furthermore, the proposal by Berlin's governing mayor to initiate a federal legislative effort to address the misuse of furnished housing has been positively received by district administrations. They emphasize the need for regulatory measures that can effectively counteract the exploitation of rental properties.