Status: 09/18/2022 09:32 a.m
Energy prices are rising – rents can also be scarce. Federal Building Minister Geywitz therefore wants to increase protection against layoffs. These should be offset by subsequent payments.
In view of the sharp rise in electricity and heating costs, Federal Building Minister Klara Geywitz wants to better protect tenants from having their contracts terminated due to arrears in payment. The SPD politician told the “Bild am Sonntag”.
“In the case of ordinary terminations due to rent arrears, we need the possibility that the amount due can be paid by the move-out date in order to cancel the termination,” says Geywitz. This so-called grace period payment has so far only applied to terminations without notice.
Municipalities should not sell land
The relief package states that an adapted energy law should be used to prevent people from having to get by without electricity and gas. In addition, work should be done on social tenancy law. “I’m assuming that my colleague, Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann, is already preparing this intensively,” said Geywitz.
The building minister also wants to react to increased land prices. She called on the municipalities not to sell land, but to give it a leasehold, Geywitz said: “We are breaking through speculation with land prices.”
The right of first refusal for municipalities must finally be strengthened. “When communities have first access to land, they have a much better negotiating position,” Geywitz said.
Geywitz: Don’t tinker with climate protection standards
Regarding the rising prices and the shortage of skilled workers in construction, Geywitz said: “In this situation, we have to think about how we can work to keep prices down. If we want to build more apartments with the same number of skilled workers, the only way is serial or modular construction.”
However, it is also important not to tweak the standards because of the climate crisis. One cannot do without insulation or solar roofs.