German Cities Probe Rent Overcharges and Illegal Short‑Term Rentals

In Hamburg, 700 alleged rent‑overcharge cases reported since November 2024 have not been processed. A newly created taskforce, the "Sachgebiet Mietpreisüberhöhung," was given six positions on July 1, 2026, but only 4.5 are filled, meaning each staffer would have to handle roughly 370 cases. Die Linke’s housing spokesperson called the staffing level "far too few" and warned that landlords could continue exploiting tenants.

In Hannover, the city announced inspections of suspected housing misuse in the Linden‑Limmer district. Authorities will examine reports of holiday‑type rentals, worker accommodations, and long‑term vacant units at several addresses, including Pestalozzistraße, Erichstraße, Falkenstraße and Marienwerderstraße. The administration plans on‑site checks, data cross‑referencing and internet platform monitoring, though it has not disclosed any fines or legal actions pending.