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Mainz overhauls rental system as housing shortage forces digital shift by 2026

Time is running out for renters in Mainz. The city’s drastic new system replaces endless waits with real-time competition—but will it ease the housing squeeze?

In this image we can see some rooms which were closed, to the each room there is lamp which is...
In this image we can see some rooms which were closed, to the each room there is lamp which is hanged to the wall, there are ventilators to the each room, in front of the room there is a chair, we can see two entryways to the building on the top of the roof there are lamps hanging.

Mainz overhauls rental system as housing shortage forces digital shift by 2026

Wohnbau Mainz is revamping its rental housing system to address the city’s severe shortage. The current waiting list will close permanently on December 31, 2025, paving the way for a new digital platform. Those still hoping for an apartment must register in the updated system before the deadline.

The old waiting list will be deleted entirely, with no data transferring automatically. Those affected will receive an email explaining the change. Starting January 2026, all available apartments will be listed online, complete with photos, sizes, rents, and locations.

Applicants will need to create a personal profile to get tailored apartment suggestions. They must also keep their details up to date to stay active in the system. Instead of a passive waiting list, people will now apply directly for specific apartments and see their chances in real time.

The shift aims to make apartment allocation faster and more transparent. However, Mainz still faces a critical shortage, especially for larger apartments. Low relocation rates and labor shortages have worsened the problem.

The deadline for registration in the new system is December 31, 2025. After that, the old list will no longer exist, and all applications must go through the digital platform. The change means applicants will compete for apartments in real time rather than waiting indefinitely.

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