Germany to empower municipalities against dilapidated properties

The German federal government plans to introduce measures to combat ‘Schrottimmobilien’ (dilapidated properties) by making it easier for municipalities to intervene. Proposed changes to the Building Code would grant municipal employees easier access to affected buildings and simplify the expropriation process for owners who fail to maintain their properties. Additionally, the government aims to clarify registration laws to prevent illegal subletting and overcrowding.

Andreas Breitner, Director of the Association of North German Housing Companies (VNW), welcomed the move, noting that many tenants have long been forced to live in undignified conditions because landlords treat properties solely as investment objects. Breitner estimated there are approximately 300 neglected multi-family houses in Northern Germany, citing specific cases in Rendsburg, Elmshorn, Bad Oldesloe, Harburg, and Neubrandenburg. He emphasized that while increased municipal authority is necessary, local governments must also improve enforcement and responsiveness to neighborhood reports.