Overview of the Initiative
The Mieterverein Bochum, a tenant association led by Martin Krämer, announced the adoption of a new housing‑protection ordinance for the city of Bochum. The association has long advocated for measures to keep housing affordable and to curb large numbers of vacant flats.
Scope of the Ordinance
The ordinance applies to all rented multi‑family buildings. Landlords must obtain permission before demolishing or leaving units empty; failure to do so can result in fines. Approximately 4 000 long‑term vacant apartments are currently targeted by the law.
Exclusions and Limitations
One‑ and two‑family houses are excluded, despite rising vacancy rates in this segment. The regulation does not cover conversions to holiday rentals, craftsmen’s flats, or commercial use, a point of disappointment for the tenant association.
Calls for Adequate Enforcement
Sabine Mosler‑Kühr, managing director of the Mieterverein, stresses the need for increased staffing to monitor compliance. Currently only one position is planned to assess thousands of demolition requests and vacant properties, whereas Dortmund employs six specialists for a comparable task.
Impact on the Rental Market
The association warns that without oversight, the ordinance may remain ineffective. Persistent vacant units and the unchecked growth of short‑term rentals exacerbate Bochum’s tight housing market, forcing many tenants to pay rents 20 %–50 % above the official rent index.
Demand for Further Data
The Mieterverein urges an independent study to quantify the number of regular holiday and craftsmen’s rentals, arguing that accurate data are essential for effective policy adjustments.
Political Support and Future Steps
Amendments proposed by the “UWG:Freie Bürger” and “Linke im Rat” factions address identified weaknesses. The tenant association anticipates an annual evaluation of the ordinance to monitor progress and adapt measures as needed.