Vast Majority of City Renters Back Tougher Penalties on Excessive Rents

A representative Forsa poll ordered by the Deutscher Mieterbund and the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund asked over a thousand city dwellers about housing costs. Around 33% say their rent is excessive, with the complaint most common among those under 30 and least among seniors. The study found that 89% of participants want tougher penalties for landlords who set rents more than 50% above the local benchmark.

Additionally, a strong share backs a stricter rent-price brake and a nationwide rent ceiling, with western cities leaning toward the former and eastern cities toward the latter. The findings will be presented at a housing summit where federal justice minister Stefanie Hubig and other policymakers are expected to discuss reforms. Tenant groups are urging the government to accelerate legal changes and enforce penalties more rigorously.