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Berlin apartment change: Tenants can now choose smaller apartments!
Berlin housing companies will allow tenants to exchange for smaller apartments from September 1, 2025 - for more social justice.
Berlin apartment change: Tenants can now choose smaller apartments!
Berlin's housing associations are taking a new approach to making better use of the living space in the metropolis. Starting next Monday, seven state-owned companies will offer tenants the opportunity to move into smaller apartments. The aim is to free up large apartments for families and at the same time promote social justice in the housing market. This reports rbb24.
The program is open to all tenants who are willing to downsize their apartment by at least one room and 10 square meters. The new offers only apply to apartments in the existing apartments, and the rents are offered at the local reference rent without a surcharge. However, there are special regulations for low-income households: If the exchange is successful, they can have up to two net rents waived.
Organized moving and support
Another advantage of the new program is that the move should be organized in such a way that no double rent payment is required. This enables financial relief for those affected. To support this offer, there is the apartment exchange portal, which has long been available for use regardless of size and company. On this platform, users can set specific search criteria, such as district, floor or price, to find suitable exchange partners, as on the website degewo described.
In total, the exchange portal is operated by six Berlin housing associations, including degewo, GESOBAU and Gewobag. It is important to note that only primary tenants with an unterminated rental agreement have access to this platform. After finding an exchange partner, the companies also provide support with organizational processes, such as the apartment inspection.
Political backgrounds and goals
This step is part of a broader strategy that has been pursued by the Berlin Senate and housing associations for years. Loud Berlin.de The six municipal housing associations own around 21% of the rental apartments in the city. The goal of this cooperation is to provide affordable housing, especially for low-income households. By 2026, the housing stock is to be increased to 400,000 units, with at least 50% of the newly built apartments having to be offered to people with a housing entitlement certificate.
Given the challenges in the housing market, this new program is an important step to improve the situation for many Berliners and at the same time strengthen social cohesion. This means future tenants can actively respond to current needs in the housing market and find individual solutions.