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Rent increases in SH: Landlords often exceed the 15% limit!
From May 1, 2024, Schleswig-Holstein will cap rent increases at 15 percent. Tenants' associations warn against inadmissible demands.
Rent increases in SH: Landlords often exceed the 15% limit!
Things could soon become a little quieter for many tenants in Schleswig-Holstein. From May 1, 2024, rents in sixty-six selected municipalities may be increased by a maximum of 15 percent within three years. This represents a noticeable reduction in the previous cap of 20 percent and is intended to help keep rental prices for existing rents largely stable, especially in areas with a tight housing market. According to NDR, research shows that many landlords still try to charge higher rents and circumvent several regulations.
The new regulation was adopted as part of a capping limit regulation and is valid for five years. This decision was made by the Kiel Cabinet on March 19, 2024, with the aim of reducing the burdens on tenants in existing tenancies. An expert office has identified recommended areas that need these regulations, including many renowned communities such as Kiel, Lübeck and Flensburg, as well as popular holiday regions on the North and Baltic Seas.
Specifically in Norderstedt
In Norderstedt, in the Segeberg district, particularly strict rules for rent increases have been in effect since May 2024. An analysis shows that in many cases landlords easily ignore the new limits and often demand more than the permitted 15 percent. It is often difficult for tenants to defend themselves against these unacceptable increases. Anyone who agrees to this is usually contractually bound and cannot go back.
In addition, retroactive lawsuits against leading landlords have little chance of success because in most cases there is a contractual obligation. The tenant associations in Schleswig-Holstein report that the number of such cases is increasing and more than half of the associations contacted have reported unreasonable rent increases. Another problem: Landlords often cite technical errors or simply human error to justify their demands.
Lack of consequences for landlords
An alarming aspect is that there are currently no sanctions for landlords who do not comply with the legal requirements. The German Tenants' Association is therefore campaigning for a change in the law in order to clearly shift the risk of unacceptable rent increases from the tenant to the landlord. This could significantly improve the situation for tenants and ensure legally secure tenancies.
To support tenants in Schleswig-Holstein with tenancy law issues, around 20 tenant associations offer their help. They not only provide information, but also support in the form of legal advice and clarification of any rent increases.
It remains to be seen how the newly introduced cap will affect the rental market in the long term and whether the situation will improve for tenants in the country. The coming years could be decisive in determining whether rents actually remain affordable or whether illegal rent increases continue to spread.
In summary, it should be noted that rent regulation is an important issue for people in Schleswig-Holstein. The state government has reacted, but the effectiveness of the measures has yet to be seen. What ultimately matters is fair rents that are affordable for everyone - that's what tenants in the country hope for.