From tighter rent controls to housing benefit boosts, these are the important changes and developments to know about. The controversial "rent cap" (Mietendeckel), which is due to be approved in the next month or two, is set to implement a five-year rent increase freeze in the capital. That means that new owners then often take back the flat, declaring their own interests (Eigenbedarf) or increase rents after modernization. In 2021, the German government is also planning a further housing benefit increase, which will relieve low-income households of heating costs. Generally, in order to qualify for housing benefit, you cannot be receiving any other benefit payments, such as unemployment allowance.

Source: The Local January 06, 2020 16:41 UTC