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Local Germany
11 hours ago
- Business
- Local Germany
EXPLAINED: How Germany's extended rent brake will impact tenants
The new CDU-SPD government agreed on May 27th to pass the measure. However, it will continue not to apply to buildings built after 2014. Real estate groups criticised the extension as deterring new construction. 'If the new federal government's first measure is to extend rent controls, diggers will stop instead of rolling,' German Real Estate Association President Dirk Wohltorf said. By contrast, tenants groups criticised the extension for not going far enough and having too many exceptions. So tenants in Berlin, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg and other areas with tight housing markets can continue to invoke the rent brake when renting apartments beyond 2025. What is the rental price brake? The rental price brake is a nationwide law that came into effect in 2015, and works as a form of rent control in dense housing areas – stipulating the maximum amount of rent a landlord can charge. According to the law, cold rent cannot be set more than 10 percent above the average rent for comparable units in the same neighbourhood, which is recorded in the regional rent index ( Mietspiegel ). Under the Mietpreisbremse, if a landlord charges more than the permitted rent, the tenant is entitled to a rent reduction. READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: Why renting is still cheaper than buying in Germany Helping to ensure that renters aren't overcharged are legal service providers like Conny , that help tenants' to decrease their rents if their landlord has surpassed legal limits. Conny's CEO, Dr. Daniel Halmer, says that the rental price brake is the most powerful instrument available to keep rents down and buy time until more affordable housing is available. Advertisement It's not a perfect form of rent control However, the rent brake's power is limited in some important ways. The current law doesn't come with any real consequences for landlords who break it, for instance, beyond needing to reduce rents to the legal rate and reimburse tenants for the excess that was collected. In the capital city's notoriously tight housing market, landlords can easily net thousands of euros per rental each year by overcharging. Asked how often landlords are caught ignoring the rent brake, Halmer told The Local, 'We see a violation rate of 75 percent in Berlin. And that's pretty consistent over the last seven years.' Halmer says the high violation rate isn't surprising: 'If you have a law that has no sanction in case of violation, don't be surprised when people break that law.' He added that when Conny wins rent reductions for clients, they pass their legal fees onto the landlords. When Conny doesn't win a case, tenants are not charged. Does the rent brake save renters money? When the rent brake was applied in 2015, it was largely celebrated by renters and tenant advocacy groups as a strong and necessary step to support renters in a country with an affordable housing shortage. Advertisement Three years after the rent brakes adoption, The Economist published a story called 'Why Germany's rent brake has failed.' The article suggests that rents in central Berlin shot up by almost ten percent immediately following the introduction of the rent brake whereas they had previously been rising around two percent annually. 'After the law was announced, some landlords took the opportunity to increase their rents before the legislation took effect,' Halmer said. He added that the rent price hike around 2015 was a one-time effect: 'For tenants this law is totally a good thing. And there's no other no other way to look at it.' View of newly built apartments in the Schöneberg district of Berlin. Apartments first rented after Oct. 1, 2014 are not subject to the rent brake. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Monika Skolimowska For its part, the German Tenants' Association (DMB) wants to strengthen the rent brake. "The rent brake has numerous exceptions and loopholes, which urgently need to be closed in the course of the extension," DMB President Lukas Siebenkotten told Berliner Zeitung . Currently the rental price brake does not apply to: new apartments (rented for the first time after October 2014), apartments that have been modernised, apartments rented for temporary use (less than one year), rental contracts signed before the law came into effect, and apartments where the previous rental price had already been set too high. How does the rent brake extension affect tenants and landlords? The agreement to extend the rental price brake is exactly that – it will extend the Mietpreisbremse law as is until 2029. It does not imply any changes to the law at this time. So tenants currently protected by the rental price brake can continue to enjoy that protection, at least for five more years. On the other hand, tenants living in rentals that don't qualify for rent controls under the law will remain unprotected. The same applies to landlords – properties that are affected by the law will see their rent price caps remain. READ ALSO: What are the cheapest and most expensive places to live in Germany? While the decision to extend the price brake was agreed by the SPD and FDP parties at the federal level, the extension hasn't yet worked its way into legislation. Up next the extension agreement will need to be written up as a bill and then passed by the Bundestag. Then it is passed onto the states, which are ultimately responsible for how the law is applied locally. Before the extension, rental price brakes were expected to expire in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg and Berlin in 2025. Advertisement Housing and owners associations are not happy about the rent brake Beyond renters and the German Tenants' Association, not everyone is happy about the extension of the rental price brake. In fact, the home and land owners' association Haus und Grund wants to sue against it. President Kai Warnecke said in Bild that "The Federal Constitutional Court only accepted the first rent brake because it was limited to five years...' In response, German Building Minister Klara Geywitz (SPD) told RBB24 inforadio that she assumes the Ministry of Justice has examined the extension "sufficiently thoroughly". In 2019, the judges in Karlsruhe ruled that the rent brake was not constitutionally objectionable. The rules introduced in 2015 did not violate the guarantee of property, freedom of contract or the general principle of equality, the court found at the time. Germany's housing industry association (GdW) told Berliner Zeitung that, "It is positive that the already very restrictive German tenancy law is not to be tightened…' Speaking on behalf of housing companies, the association argues that restricting rents intensely could reduce housing companies' ability to invest in energy-efficient and age-appropriate renovations. In-line with these concerns, the current law includes an exception for properties that have been comprehensively modernised.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Businessman mauled to death by lion after stepping out of his tent to use the toilet during overnight safari
EATEN ALIVE Businessman mauled to death by lion after stepping out of his tent to use the toilet during overnight safari A BUSINESSMAN who spent large sums of money supporting Namibian desert lions has been killed by one of the predators after leaving his tent to use the loo. Dad-of-two Bernd Kebbel, 59, was with his wife Conny on a wildlife expedition at a camp with friends in the north of the country before the horror attack. 1 A wealthy philanthropist who spent large sums of money supporting desert lions has been killed by one Credit: Supplied The tragedy unfolded when Kebbel got up in the early hours of Friday morning. The philanthropist climbed down a ladder from the safety of his rooftop tent mounted on the top of a 4x4, before the beast lunged at him. His desperate screams woke up the rest of the shocked camp in Namibia who rushed to his rescue in the darkness. They bravely chased off the lioness before it could devour its victim. Namibian police said nothing could be done to save the keen outdoorsman who was killed almost instantly in the savage ordeal. His body was covered up until authorities could arrive. It is believed that the lioness with cubs - named by locals as Charlie - may be hunted and shot dead. A Namibian lion expert said: 'Thankfully it would have been quick as a human is no match for a lioness that is in its prime. 'There are only about 60 desert lions in this region of Kunane where the attack happened and in this particular area around the Hoanib Camp maybe a dozen at the very most." The expert added: 'The desert lions have adapted to the harsh and burning desert environment and have become extremely adept night-time hunters as there is no cover for them during the day." The businessman has two grown-up children, Dieter and Heidi, both in their late twenties. They are said to have moved to South Africa where they went to university before pursuing their careers. It is understood they are flying home to comfort their devastated mum Conny, 57, at their home in the capital Windhoek. Kebbel owned the Off-Road-Centre in Namibia's main city Windhoek which bought and sold 4x4 safari vehicles and accessories needed in the wild. Lion expert Izak Smit said that Namibia's most famous lion expert Dr Philip 'Flip' Stander had named an adult male Kebbel in his honour. He said it was to recognise the large sums of money he paid into looking after lions. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Businessman mauled to death by lion after stepping out of his tent to use the toilet during overnight safari
A BUSINESSMAN who spent large sums of money supporting Namibian desert lions has been killed by one of the predators after leaving his tent to use the loo. Dad-of-two Bernd Kebbel, 59, was with his wife Conny on a wildlife expedition at a camp with friends in the north of the country before the horror attack. Advertisement 1 A wealthy philanthropist who spent large sums of money supporting desert lions has been killed by one Credit: Supplied The tragedy unfolded when Kebbel got up in the early hours of Friday morning. The philanthropist climbed down a ladder from the safety of his rooftop tent mounted on the top of a 4x4, before the beast lunged at him. His desperate screams woke up the rest of the shocked camp in Namibia who rushed to his rescue in the darkness. They bravely chased off the lioness before it could devour its victim. Advertisement Namibian police said nothing could be done to save the keen outdoorsman who was killed almost instantly in the savage ordeal. His body was covered up until authorities could arrive. It is believed that the lioness with cubs - named by locals as Charlie - may be hunted and shot dead. A Namibian lion expert said: 'Thankfully it would have been quick as a human is no match for a lioness that is in its prime. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive 'There are only about 60 desert lions in this region of Kunane where the attack happened and in this particular area around the Hoanib Camp maybe a dozen at the very most." The expert added: 'The desert lions have adapted to the harsh and burning desert environment and have become extremely adept night-time hunters as there is no cover for them during the day." The businessman has two grown-up children, Dieter and Heidi, both in their late twenties. They are said to have moved to South Africa where they went to university before pursuing their careers. Advertisement It is understood they are flying home to comfort their devastated mum Conny, 57, at their home in the capital Windhoek. Kebbel owned the Off-Road-Centre in Namibia's main city Windhoek which bought and sold 4x4 safari vehicles and accessories needed in the wild. Lion expert Izak Smit said that Namibia's most famous lion expert Dr Philip 'Flip' Stander had named an adult male Kebbel in his honour. He said it was to recognise the large sums of money he paid into looking after lions. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Jens Lehmann's wife of 25 years reveals they are DIVORCED after he attacked neighbour's house with chainsaw
Lehmann was caught up in controversy last October Lehmann's terms Jens Lehmann's wife of 25 years reveals they are DIVORCED after he attacked neighbour's house with chainsaw Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JENS LEHMANN'S wife of 25 years, Conny, has confirmed the couple have divorced. Lehmann, 55, has long lived separated from his former partner, with Conny, 52, moving out of their villa in Starnberg before they called it quits. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Jens Lehmann's ex-wife Conny has confirmed they have divorced, ending a 25-year marriage Credit: Getty 3 It comes after the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper was caught up in a string of controversies Credit: Getty 3 One of them saw Lehmann accused of failing a breathalyser after being pulled over by cops following Oktoberfest celebrations Credit: Getty Speaking to Bild, Conny was reluctant to go into detail about her split with Lehmann, but said: "I'm single. I'm a happy single." The pair had met in 1995 before officially getting together in 1999 and marrying in October of that year. Conny has two children with Lehmann, 24-year-old Mats and 18-year-old Lieselotta. Lehmann also adopted Conny's child from a previous relationship with ex-Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder, Knut Reinhardt. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Hatts off Luton release five players including Chelsea title winner and club legend They have had an on-and-off relationship for some time now, although they went on a family holiday last year which was said to be more for the children than any sort of romantic getaway. Conny had found a new partner while Lehmann remained in their family home before it was put up for sale. Lehmann was caught up in controversy last year when he was fined £112,000 by a Munich court for a chainsaw attack on a neighbour's garage in September. He had been accused of using a chainsaw to hack through the roof beams on his neighbour's garage by Lake Starnberg, which is in the Bavaria region of Germany. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates The alleged incident was said to have taken place during the summer of 2022. He was initially found guilty in December 2023, being slapped with a 10-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay a fine worth more than £350,000. These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts' best bets The former Gunner subsequently launched an appeal, as did Munich prosecutors. According to local reports in Germany, a deal was reached between prosecutors and Lehmann's lawyers prior to the trial's resumption. Lehmann's legal representative Florian Ufer gave an update - with his client having also been on trial for alleged unpaid parking fees. He said: "Mr Lehmann accepts responsibility. He has come to an agreement with his neighbour. The parking fees have been paid." Lehmann's initial £350,000 fine was reduced to around £112,000. He is also claimed to have paid his neighbour around £50,000 in order to close the matter, which then saw criminal charges against him dropped. Then, during Oktoberfest celebrations, it is claimed the former Germany No.1 vomited twice and failed a breathalyser after being pulled over by police. Lehmann is alleged to have been drink driving at the time of the stop, which happened at 1:30am. Police could reportedly smell alcohol from his breath through the open window of the car. Reports in Germany claimed he got out of the car and vomited twice by the roadside before he struggled to produce his driver's license and failed with his first few attempts to do so. He was unable to show his warning triangle and first-aid kit, and had to hold onto the car to stay upright when opening his boot. Breath tests had to be abandoned because the 61-Cap Germany star was 'no longer able to blow' so he was instead taken to a police station for further tests. Lehmann later went to the Munich Institute of Forensic Medicine for blood tests. The German was ordered to appear in court with the prosecutor's office requesting a fine of £60,000 with a trial set for Thursday April 3. His driver's license was also confiscated. He was hit with a €1,000 (£846) fine for driving under the influence of alcohol. The judge said Lehmann had displayed "bad behaviour" in court and to police when arrested in September last year. Lehmann said: "I misjudged myself and thought I could drive."
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Jens Lehmann's wife of 25 years reveals they are DIVORCED after he attacked neighbour's house with chainsaw
JENS LEHMANN'S wife of 25 years, Conny, has confirmed the couple have divorced. 3 Jens Lehmann's ex-wife Conny has confirmed they have divorced, ending a 25-year marriage Credit: Getty 3 It comes after the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper was caught up in a string of controversies Credit: Getty 3 One of them saw Lehmann accused of failing a breathalyser after being pulled over by cops following Oktoberfest celebrations Credit: Getty Speaking to The pair had met in 1995 before officially getting together in 1999 and marrying in October of that year. Conny has two children with Lehmann, 24-year-old Mats and 18-year-old Lieselotta. Lehmann also adopted Conny's child from a previous relationship with ex-Borussia Dortmund and READ MORE IN FOOTBALL They have had an on-and-off relationship for some time now, although they went on a family holiday last year which was said to be more for the children than any sort of romantic getaway. Conny had found a new partner while Lehmann remained in their family home before it was put up for sale. Lehmann was caught up in controversy last year when he was fined £112,000 by a Munich court for a chainsaw attack on a neighbour's garage in September. He had been accused of using a Most read in Football Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates The alleged incident was said to have taken place during the summer of 2022. He was initially found guilty in December 2023, being slapped with a 10-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay a fine worth more than £350,000. These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts' best bets The former Gunner subsequently launched an appeal, as did Munich prosecutors. According to local reports in Germany, a deal was reached between prosecutors and Lehmann's lawyers prior to the trial's resumption. Lehmann's legal representative Florian Ufer gave an update - with his client having also been on trial for alleged unpaid parking fees. He said: "Mr Lehmann accepts responsibility. He has come to an agreement with his neighbour. The parking fees have been paid." Lehmann's initial £350,000 fine was reduced to around £112,000. He is also claimed to have paid his neighbour around £50,000 in order to close the matter, which then saw criminal charges against him dropped. Then, during Lehmann is alleged to have been drink driving at the time of the stop, which happened at 1:30am. Police could reportedly smell alcohol from his breath through the open window of the car. Reports in Germany claimed he got out of the car and vomited twice by the roadside before he struggled to produce his driver's license and failed with his first few attempts to do so. He was unable to show his warning triangle and first-aid kit, and had to hold onto the car to stay upright when opening his boot. Breath tests had to be abandoned because the 61-Cap Germany star was 'no longer able to blow' so he was instead taken to a police station for further tests. Lehmann later went to the Munich Institute of Forensic Medicine for blood tests. The German was ordered to appear in court with the prosecutor's office requesting a fine of £60,000 with a trial set for Thursday April 3. His driver's license was also confiscated. He was hit with a €1,000 (£846) fine for driving under the influence of alcohol. The judge said Lehmann had displayed "bad behaviour" in court and to police when arrested in September last year. Lehmann said: "I misjudged myself and thought I could drive."
