Berlin in turmoil: District office saves tenants from water emergency in Kreuzberg!

Berlin in turmoil: District office saves tenants from water emergency in Kreuzberg!

The situation at the Hafenplatz complex in Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is getting worse: over 1,000 tenants are facing the threat of losing their water supply due to unpaid water bills. The district office has therefore decided to take action and take over the advance payments due in order to prevent the residents from being evacuated. The district is stepping in to maintain the water supply and thus avoid homelessness, as the cost of an evacuation would be around 700,000 euros per month, while covering the deductions amounts to around 50,000 euros, reports rbb24.

The Berliner Wasserbetriebe informed the district office four weeks ago about the impending closure of the water supply. The reason is that payments are in the upper six-figure range, which are outstanding even though the owner companies have regularly received water payments from the tenants but have not passed them on to the water company. The district office then offered to take over the advance payments due directly from November 2025, which the water company recently accepted. City councilor for construction Florian Schmidt expressed outrage at the business practices of the owner companies and announced talks with the water companies and the Senate to ensure direct payment from tenants.

Residents in a critical situation

The harbor square complex is home to hundreds of private tenants as well as a refugee accommodation with around 600 residents. Shutting off the water supply could make the entire complex uninhabitable, which would have massive consequences for the people affected. The district office has already informed tenants about the current situation and plans to coordinate further support to minimize the risk of displacement. Tenants report major problems in the buildings, such as broken elevators and pests, which significantly affect the quality of life.

Schmidt noted that this case is unique, but similar problems occur in other properties. The personnel capacities in the urban development office are limited due to cuts in the Senate, which makes combating such machinations even more difficult. Nevertheless, the district office remains determined to support and help the tenants.

Support offers for affected tenants

There are various support options available for residents whose living situation is threatened by the current situation. These include arranging housing options, advice on new rentals and help with rent and energy debts. In order to receive support, affected people should generally contact the responsible social affairs office in their district of residence, as described on service.berlin.de.

The Hedera Group, which acts as the owner company, sharply rejects the allegations of a possible rental strategy and speaks of ambiguities in the invoices that arose from a change in administrators. Nevertheless, the pressure on owners to fulfill their obligations to the water companies and tenants remains high.