If you’re a 20-something living in Britain, then you know you’re more likely to become best friends with Tina Fey (aka the dream) than have your own place by the time you’re 30. When most of us started renting, we weren’t too freaked out by this. If Jess from New Girl and the whole cast of Friends do it, then surely it must be a laugh? In one word: no.
The renting system in Britain is absolute crap. Rents are continually rising, tenancies are too short, plus your landlord can kick you out at the end of your tenancy for no reason. But deep down you know he’s just not over that time you spilt red wine on the beige carpet.
Renting doesn’t have to be like this. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has just published a report massively fangirling over the amazing renting system in Germany…
1. Long Tenancies
In the UK, most tenancies only last 6-12 months. In Germany, the tenancies are infinite. That’s right: you can rent your flat forever. This means you don’t have to keep flat-hopping, so the average tenancy in Germany lasts 11 years – which is way more than the 2.5 years average in the UK.
2. More Disposable Income
In the UK, 33% of renters pay almost half of their income towards housing costs, which is depressing AF. In Germany, this figure is considerably lower and only applies to 23% of tenants.
3. Rent Controls
Much like when the government made retrospective changes to the student loans (cheers, Dave) a British landlord can suddenly up the rent mid-way through your tenancy. This isn’t the case in Germany, since it’s illegal to put up the rent whilst a tenant is still living there.
4. Tenants Have More Rights
I once had £50 taken out of my deposit because I left a strand of hair on my bedroom floor when I moved out. In Germany that would never happen, since the courts try to side with tenants to make sure they get back their deposit.
What can we do?
According to the IPPR there are ways Britain can improve its renting system…
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Tenancies should be at least 2 years long. But there should be get-out-easy clauses for if tenants change their minds.
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Lettings agencies should provide incentives to landlords. These will encourage them to offer long-term rental contracts.
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Ban landlords changing rent prices mid-way through a tenancy agreement.
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Valuation Office agency should publish info on how much it costs to rent similar properties in your area. Then you can see if you’re being ripped off and have words with your landlord.
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Get rid of deposits. Seriously, who has £400 just lying around? Instead, the local government should team up with the insurance industry to provide some sort of insurance product
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More rights for renters. Trade unions could partner with housing charities to support tenants – giving them legal advice, having their back in disputes over rent with the landlord…
Looks like there is a bit of hope in the future – so don’t go booking a one-way ticket to Berlin just yet.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.