Berlin, February 16 – A rent checkpoint established by the Berlin Senate less than a year ago has revealed a shocking prevalence of illegally high rents in the capital. Out of 339 rental agreements reviewed, 94 percent, or 320 cases, exceeded the local comparative rent by more than 20 percent, violating the rent control regulations in place since 2015.
Alarming Findings from the Rent Checkpoint
The data, presented by City Development Senator Christian Gaebler (SPD) to the City Development Committee on Monday, indicates that only 16 cases (six percent) complied with the rent brake. Even more concerning, 222 of the reviewed cases involved usurious rents, exceeding the local comparative rent by more than 50 percent, which is a criminal offense.
The rent checkpoint, launched in March 2025, offers free consultation to tenants who suspect their rent is excessive. Currently, there are two physical consultation centers, with a third set to open this month, according to Gaebler.
Hotspots for Rent Overcharging Identified
The geographical distribution of complaints highlights the most problematic areas in the city. The majority of inquiries originate from the districts of Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, and Pankow. These districts are responsible for prosecuting rent overcharges.
To support the work in these districts, eight government inspectors have been seconded, with four more to follow in March. Additionally, 19 new employees are expected to join the districts in April to assist in prosecuting rent overcharges. Selection interviews for these positions are scheduled for the end of February.
Sandra Obermeyer, the responsible department head in the Senate Administration, emphasized the continued high demand for the rent checkpoint’s services. “Out of 130 inquiries in January 2026, very few again show permissible rents,” she stated, indicating the ongoing scale of the problem.
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Leads the Fight Against Rent Gouging
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has emerged as a pioneer in the consistent prosecution of violations. Regine Sommer-Wetter (Left Party), City Councillor for Social Affairs in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, reported that some reviewed rents were 100 to 150 percent above the rent index. The district issued its first successful fine in October 2025, and the first court ruling followed in January 2026. Sommer-Wetter described this as an important signal for tenants and a warning to unscrupulous landlords.
Currently, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg alone has over 300 ongoing preliminary investigations for suspected rent overcharging. Furthermore, nearly 600 additional complaints have been filed, with 17 already in the hearing phase. However, judicial prosecution is a lengthy process, with an average of one year passing from the initial complaint to a court ruling, according to Sommer-Wetter.
The extensive time required is attributed to the complex evidence gathering, with each case necessitating apartment inspections, detailed reviews, and extensive documentation. The additional positions announced by the state are therefore welcomed by the districts.
