Slatted roof – a growing trend in German gardens

Well-kept garden with hedges and autumn-colored trees

Whether freestanding or connected to the house, a slat-covered roof not only offers protection from the sun and weather, but also enhances the appearance of the garden or terrace. Slat-covered roofs are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. They offer a range of benefits and are available in various variants.

Rental Law Amendment 2019: What changes for landlords?

Historical residential complex with a red tile roof and a landscaped courtyard in Munich

Since early 2019, a tenancy law amendment has been in effect, resulting in significantly altered conditions for landlords. For example, they affect the possibilities of passing on modernization costs to the rent. They define new information obligations of the landlord towards prospective new tenants and they establish measures against so-called modernization forcing, where modernization work serves only as a pretext. This article presents the various changes resulting from the current tenancy law amendment.

Real estate tax reform

White house with sloping gable roof and flowering front garden

The property tax burden affects both owners and tenants. As early as 2016, property tax generated well over 13 billion euros for the municipalities. In June 2016, the property tax reform was passed; Hamburg and Bayern voted against it. The Federal Constitutional Court now expects a new reform by December 31, 2019, as the current regulations on property tax are considered unconstitutional.