Berlin thrives on mobility. When international professionals, scientists, students, or people in exceptional personal circumstances need an apartment at short notice, the availability of flexible furnished accommodation is often the deciding factor for our city. This is exactly where Zeitwohnen (long-term flexible housing) comes in, which in practice is clearly geared towards residential use for rental periods of one month or more.
Nevertheless, individual Berlin districts have recently begun treating long-term flexible housing in social preservation areas (Milieuschutzgebiete) as a change of use requiring approval and are refusing to grant this approval across the board. What was intended as a protective measure threatens to become an inconsistent procedure with significant consequences for mobility, integration, and Berlin’s attractiveness as a location.
A legal opinion commissioned by us shows why this approach is not legally sound and creates false political incentives. In this issue, we classify this practice and outline solutions that protect tenants without jeopardizing Berlin’s open-mindedness. As always, we look forward to your feedback and discussion.
Yours sincerely,
Jan Hase
CEO Wunderflats
