Evictions are noticeably increasing in Germany, and at the same time, rents, housing poverty, social housing, and tenant protection are increasingly coming into political focus. Within a year, more than 32,000 households lost their homes, even though many of those affected had previously paid their rent regularly. Rising rents and the growing burden of housing costs are acting as an accelerant, because even middle incomes leave hardly any room for maneuver.
Evictions as a Symptom of an Overburdened Housing Market
The latest statistics from the Federal Ministry of Justice show that evictions have increased by more than 2,000 cases compared to the previous year, although some states reported slight decreases. Evictions were particularly frequent in North Rhine-Westphalia, followed by Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Saxony. This regional distribution is not surprising, as high demand and limited supply are particularly acute in these regions.
It is also striking that foreclosures often do not result from sudden insolvency, but rather from permanently rising fixed costs. Rents in many cities have climbed by around 50 percent within a decade, while energy and utility costs have increased at the same time. As a result, households gradually fall into arrears, even though they continue to work and earn an income.
Political demands between eviction protection and new construction
The Left Party politician Caren Lay speaks in this context of a “social catastrophe” and calls for a ban on evictions that directly lead to homelessness. At the same time, she demands significantly stronger eviction protection, because existing regulations no longer adequately protect many tenants. According to these proposals, older people in particular should be better protected.
In addition to eviction protection, social housing construction is also coming into focus, because without additional social housing, the market will remain strained. New construction projects are progressing too slowly in many places, while rent-controlled apartments are losing their rent control status. Therefore, the situation is worsening, even though the need has been known for years.
Housing poverty now affects broad segments of the population.
A recent report by the Paritätische Gesamtverband (Parity Welfare Association) shows that housing poverty is increasing significantly, with young adults and senior citizens being particularly affected. Around 22.3 percent of the population is considered to be living in housing poverty because, after deducting housing costs, they are left with less than 60 percent of the median income. This burden of housing costs, however, does not only affect individuals, but increasingly families as well.
The rate is particularly high among single parents, with four out of ten households considered affected. Couples with several children also frequently find themselves in precarious situations, even though they often have two incomes. Rising rents therefore act as a structural risk that jeopardizes entire life plans.
When Rising Costs Lead to Eviction
Many evictions begin with small rent arrears that accumulate over months. Once a household falls into arrears, legal mechanisms quickly kick in, often resulting in the loss of their home. This dynamic demonstrates that prevention would be more cost-effective than later enforcement.
Without more social housing and effective tenant protection, the situation remains critical. Evictions, housing poverty, and rising rents are closely linked, and they can only be contained through cooperation. Otherwise, the situation is likely to worsen, further straining social cohesion.