Law against Shoddy Properties and Unbearable Accommodation - North Rhine-Westphalia's Fair Housing Act to Set New Tenant Protections by 2026
North Rhine-Westphalia is set to introduce a new Fair Housing Act, replacing the 2021 Housing Strengthening Act. The proposed law aims to establish universal standards for safe, habitable housing across the region for the first time. Authorities are now seeking public feedback before finalising the draft.
The draft legislation will ban exploitative rental practices and set minimum standards for worker accommodation. It also clarifies that tenants share responsibility for maintaining their housing. A key feature includes a general clause requiring all residential and temporary housing to be safe, well-maintained, and fit for living.
To tackle neglected properties, the act introduces trusteeship as a last resort before expropriation. The law will also address misuse of residential space, derelict buildings, and poor conditions in worker housing. Before the new act takes effect in early 2026, around 50 cities—including Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund—have already implemented similar local regulations. Stakeholders and organisations have until mid-April to submit feedback on the draft. After this period, the final version will be presented to the state parliament in June.
The Fair Housing Act will standardise housing rules across North Rhine-Westphalia. Once in force, it will give authorities stronger tools to enforce safe living conditions and prevent housing abuse. The law is expected to take effect in early 2026 after parliamentary approval.
