Nearly 50,000 Cases of Suspected Rent Gouging Found Using New App

Data from a tool developed by Germany's Left Party reveals widespread overpricing of rental housing, with Berlin showing the highest concentration of cases.

• The Left Party's 'Mietwucherapp' identified over 48,500 rental cases exceeding local benchmarks by at least 20% within 11 weeks of launch.
• In more severe instances, over 27,500 users reported rents that surpassed the local average by 50% or more, potentially constituting a criminal offense under German law.
• Berlin recorded the highest number of reports, with 22,700 cases of excessive rents, including 13,500 instances exceeding the 50% threshold.
• The app's findings highlight a broader housing crisis, with rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing impacting private households and public finances alike.
• The Left Party has made affordable housing a central campaign issue, advocating for stricter rent controls, increased enforcement against gouging, and a nationwide rent cap.

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