Berlin’s Neukölln district is stepping up efforts to crack down on furnished short-term rentals in an attempt to combat displacement and protect affordable housing. Under new rules introduced by the district office, time-limited and furnished leases will no longer be approved in designated “Milieuschutz” zones—protected areas like Schillerpromenade and Reuterplatz, where the goal is to preserve the local social fabric and prevent dramatic rent increases.

Temporary Rentals Driving Up Prices

“Wohnen auf Zeit,” or temporary living arrangements, are increasingly being used to sidestep rent control laws. Tenants are often charged excessive prices — sometimes as high as €3,500 for just 80 square meters. These rentals typically cater to newcomers or expats willing to pay more, driving up prices and forcing long-term residents out.

District Councillor Jochen Biedermann called the practice a misuse of legal loopholes and emphasized that this kind of rental requires an official change-of-use permit. Neukölln’s new administrative approach is expected to withstand legal scrutiny and could serve as a model for other parts of Berlin. Similar measures have already been introduced in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and are being discussed in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg.

Calls for Stricter Federal Regulations

The problem has also caught the attention of Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, who recently called for tougher penalties for landlords flouting rent controls. “You put a chair in the room, and suddenly the rent cap no longer applies,” Wegner said, pointing out that the current law allows landlords to bypass protections by labeling properties as furnished and temporary. He hinted at a potential Bundesrat initiative to push for tighter federal regulations.