Social Conservation Ordinance in Weitlingkiez: Protection for tenants secured!

Social Conservation Ordinance in Weitlingkiez: Protection for tenants secured!

The Lichtenberg district decided today to continue the social preservation ordinance in Weitlingkiez. This decision results from a comprehensive follow-up investigation conducted between August 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. During this survey, the urban development situation was analyzed and a full survey with a household survey was carried out. An impressive 25.9 percent of the households contacted took part in the survey, which is considered high in a Berlin-wide comparison. The analysis showed that the goals of the social conservation ordinance were successfully achieved, which district councilor Camilla Schuler particularly emphasized.

The social conservation ordinance applies to the areas “Kaskelstraße”, “Weitlingstraße” and “Fanningerstraße”. These conservation areas are permanent and are subject to regular reviews of the application requirements. Camilla Schuler emphasizes that the preservation ordinance is crucial for social cohesion in the neighborhood. Particularly noteworthy are the successes in Weitlingstrasse, where housing protection as well as needs-based housing occupancy and the limitation of structural measures were comprehensively implemented.

Challenges in the housing market

The social maintenance regulation remains necessary because the risk of displacement remains high, particularly for lower-income households. A high proportion of low-income households and significant old-age poverty were found in Weitlingkiez. Despite rising asking rents and increasing modernization, the area remains a provider of affordable housing. The mix of population composition is complemented by various socio-spatial offerings and facilities that are used intensively.

In a broader context, similar trends can be observed in other cities in Germany, such as Hamburg. A population increase there is forecast to reach 2 million inhabitants by 2035, which could lead to an increase in rental and purchase prices. A possible displacement of lower-income groups through “luxury renovations” represents another serious risk. In Hamburg, social preservation regulations have already been introduced that prohibit structural measures that lead to a shortage of living space. The permit requirements for owners operating in social conservation areas also highlight the need to protect living space.

Tenants' rights and housing conditions

A key problem associated with the conversion of rental apartments into condominiums is the financial burden and social risks for tenants. The law grants these tenants a right of first refusal, which may protect them from losing their apartment to third parties. However, landlords can try to feign personal use in order to re-let or sell the rental apartments for a profit.

The building code allows extensive conversions of rental properties into condominiums without strict requirements, even in areas with an existing housing shortage. There are calls to improve protection against dismissal for tenants and to define the regulations on personal use more precisely by law. An extension of the termination protection periods and stronger support options for the right of first refusal could be crucial here.

In view of current developments, the use of the social conservation regulation is essential. This is the only way to counteract the impending pressure of displacement and maintain social cohesion in the affected districts.

The challenges of the housing market are felt both locally in Weitlingkiez and in other major cities in Germany, which underlines the relevance and urgency of regulatory measures for social stability.

For further information concerning the Lichtenberg district, we refer to the communication from berlin.de. Details about the regulations in Hamburg can be found at Engel & Völkers, while a comprehensive analysis of the displacement policy can be found on the website of the Paritätischen is available.