According to a survey, every second tenant in Germany transfers more than 30 percent of his net household income to the landlord. According to this, about every fifth tenant's household is burdened with more than 40 percent, according to a Forsa survey published on Thursday for the Federal Association of Independent Real Estate and Housing Companies.
However, in the same survey, more than three-quarters of those polled said that their rent was adequate and satisfied with their housing situation. Accordingly, rent increases have occurred in recent years, especially in the big cities.
"The picture that politicians and the public paint on the housing market does not have much in common with reality," concluded the association from the survey. Currently discussed interventions in the housing market would be on shaky ground.
For example, the Berlin Senate wants to introduce upper rent limits. Who pays more than 30 percent of his net household income, should be able to apply for a reduction in the city.
According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, tenants in Germany had to spend around a quarter of their net household income in 2017 for their rent. The amount includes wages, salaries, investment income, child benefits and pensions of all household members less taxes and social security contributions.
