The German Federal Ministry of Justice, led by Bundesjustizministerin Stefanie Hubig, is set to impose more stringent regulations on the rental market, particularly concerning furnished and short-term rental agreements. A draft proposal for the reform of rental law is reportedly being prepared, which aims to limit the surcharge landlords can charge for furnished apartments to just five percent. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over the rental market, especially in areas where housing is already in high demand.

According to reports from ARD Hauptstadtstudio, the proposal will require landlords in tight rental markets to disclose any additional charges for furnishing ahead of lease agreements. This transparency measure will ensure that potential tenants are fully informed about the costs associated with renting a furnished property before making a commitment. Failure to provide this information will mean tenants are only liable to pay the base rent without any additional charges, a move aimed at protecting renters from hidden fees.

These regulatory changes reflect a broader movement in Germany to make the rental market fairer and more transparent, especially in urban areas where the housing crisis has made it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable accommodation. By limiting how much landlords can charge for additional services like furniture, Hubig's plans seek to alleviate some financial pressure on renters and promote fairer housing policies overall.