Berlin rent cap overturned by Germany's top court
Without judging the outcome, here are a few things HN readers might not be aware of:<p>- The supply of rental apartments dropped by 40-60% after the Mietendeckel came in effect. It became even harder to find an apartment in Berlin. Landlords were holding their breaths.<p>- The supply of housing for sale also dwindled. If I&#x27;m not mistaken, sellers were waiting for the court judgement to rent&#x2F;sell.<p>- The Mietendeckel also concerned furnished apartments, although it was largely ignored by landlords on short term furnished flat platforms like Wunderflats. The platforms turned a blind eye.<p>- I know many people who got significant reductions, sometimes exceeding 20%.<p>- In most cases, the new rent contracts with reduced rents had a shadow rent clause in case the Mietendeckel got repealed. Many people will have to pay the difference back within 14 days.<p>- The Mietpreisbremse, and earlier rent control measure, is still in effect. It does not include the rent freeze, but it does include significant rent reductions. Unfortunately, it&#x27;s not automatic (no threat of a fine), and often needs to be enforced in court. The court judgement is retroactive to April 2020.<p>This is all I know&#x2F;remember.