Berlin, February 16 – A rent checkpoint established by the Berlin Senate less than a year ago has uncovered widespread violations of rent control regulations, revealing that a significant majority of reviewed rental agreements involve illegally high rents. The findings, presented by Senator for Urban Development Christian Gaebler (SPD) to the City Development Committee on Monday, indicate that 94% of the cases examined showed rents exceeding the local comparative rent by over 20%.
Alarming Figures: 94% of Rents Overcharged, Many Classified as Usury
Since its inception in March 2025, 339 Berlin residents have had their rental contracts scrutinized by the rent checkpoint. In 320 of these cases, the rents were found to be unlawfully high, surpassing the local comparative rent, as outlined in the rent index, by more than 20%. This means that in only six percent (16 cases) were the rent caps, in effect since 2015, adhered to.
Even more concerning, 222 of these cases were found to be in the criminal range, constituting so-called ‘usury rents’ that exceed the local comparative rent by more than 50%. These figures underscore the severity of the housing crisis in Berlin and the extent of illegal rent practices.
Rent Checkpoint Expansion and Problem Areas Identified
The rent checkpoint, which offers free advice to tenants who suspect their rent is excessive, currently operates with two physical locations and telephone consultations. Senator Gaebler announced that a third advisory center would be opened this month to meet the growing demand. Sandra Obermeyer, head of the relevant department in the Senate Administration, noted the persistent high demand, stating, “Of 130 inquiries in January 2026, very few again show permissible rents.”
The geographical distribution of complaints highlights the most affected areas: Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, and Pankow. These districts are experiencing the highest number of inquiries regarding rent overcharges, indicating a concentration of problematic rental practices.
Districts Bolstered to Combat Rent Overcharges
Responsibility for prosecuting rent overcharges lies with the individual districts. To support their efforts, eight government inspectors have been seconded to the districts, with an additional four expected to join in March. Furthermore, 19 new employees are slated to assist the districts in pursuing rent overcharges starting in April. Selection interviews for these positions are scheduled for late February.
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has emerged as a leader in actively pursuing violations. Regine Sommer-Wetter (Left Party), District Councillor for Social Affairs in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, reported that some reviewed rents were 100% to 150% above the rent index. The district issued its first successful fine in October 2025, and a landmark court ruling in January 2026 sent a crucial message to both tenants and unscrupulous landlords.
Lengthy Legal Battles and Ongoing Investigations
Currently, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg alone has over 300 ongoing investigations into suspected rent overcharges, with an additional 600 complaints awaiting review, 17 of which are already in the hearing phase. However, legal proceedings are often protracted. Sommer-Wetter noted that it takes an average of one year from the initial complaint to a court ruling due to the extensive evidence required for each case, including apartment inspections, detailed examinations, and comprehensive documentation. The announced additional state positions are therefore gratefully received by the districts.
The findings from the rent checkpoint highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to enforce rent control regulations and protect tenants from exploitative practices in Berlin’s competitive housing market.
