Union faction demands changes to Hubig's plans for reform of rental law - Germany's rental law reforms spark political clash over tenant protections
The German government is debating new rental laws as housing shortages and rising costs put pressure on tenants. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has proposed stricter rules for furnished rentals, short-term leases, and index-linked rents. But the conservative CDU/CSU bloc is pushing for key changes to the draft bill.
Hubig, from the SPD-led Federal Ministry of Justice, introduced a package of reforms aimed at strengthening tenant protections. The proposals include tighter regulations on furnished rental properties, a six-month cap on short-term contracts, and limits on index-linked rent increases.
Günter Krings, deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, acknowledged the need for better tenant safeguards, citing the financial strain of soaring rents. However, he argued that Hubig’s flat-rate approach to furnished rentals was too rigid and could deter investment. Krings also called for adjustments to the proposed six-month limit on short-term leases, warning that excessive restrictions might create uncertainty. The CDU/CSU further seeks to modify the cap on index-linked rents, stressing that tenant protections must not undermine new housing construction. According to Krings, the reforms should avoid unintended consequences, such as discouraging property investment or worsening the housing shortage. He insisted that stronger tenant rights must go hand in hand with measures to boost housing supply.
The CDU/CSU has signalled support for some aspects of the rental law reform but demands revisions to key provisions. If approved, the changes could reshape rules for furnished rentals, short-term leases, and rent indexation. The final version of the bill will now depend on further negotiations between political factions.
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