In Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, a group of tenants, artists, families, and individuals, live under precarious conditions, their lives shaped by a system that denies them legal recognition. For nearly three years, one resident has occupied an informal sublet without registration, effectively invisible to the landlord who owns the building. This individual, who identifies as part of a collective of tenants sharing a house, seeks not just stability but the right to formal housing. The situation reflects a broader crisis in Berlin’s rental market, where many struggle with insecure tenancies, rising costs, and systemic neglect. The tenant, whose name remains undisclosed due to the lack of official documentation, resides in a shared home with others, including artists from South America and long-term residents of the neighborhood. Despite living in the same space, they are not officially recognized as tenants. The property's main landlords, two individuals who have not lived in Berlin for years, have issued a lease to a subtenant, leaving the current occupant without legal protection. This arrangement leaves the resident vulnerable to eviction, with no guarantee of permanence or security. This issue is not isolated. According to a study released by the Berlin-based anti-discrimination agency “Fair mieten, Fair wohnen,” informal rental practices are widespread, with unregistered sublets being among the most common. The report, based on interviews with affected individuals and staff from advisory services, highlights how these arrangements often result from a lack of regulatory oversight and the complexity of housing law. While the study does not provide exact figures, it underscores the growing reliance on informal markets as a response to the city’s housing shortages and high rents. The problem extends beyond individual cases. In another part of Berlin, Daniel Diekmann, a resident of a former nursing home turned residential complex, faces similar challenges. Living in a building slated for demolition, he has fought to remain in his home for over two decades. Since 2023, Diekmann has endured increasingly severe hardships: no running water since January 2026, no heating since November 2025, and even four days without electricity in August 2023. These conditions have forced him to rely on basic necessities, such as carrying water containers instead of purchasing bottled water. His resistance has been met with legal threats, including a fine of 250,000 euros against the landlord, which he claims has led to swift action. Diekmann’s case illustrates the broader struggle of tenants facing displacement. The building, once known as the “Papageienplatte” for its colorful facade, was originally built in 1984 as a nursing home for the nearby Charité hospital. Purchased by Arcadia Real Estate in 2017, the site is now targeted for redevelopment into luxury apartments. Despite multiple attempts by Diekmann and other tenants to block the project through legal means, the threat of demolition persists. His efforts highlight both the personal toll of housing insecurity and the political dimensions of urban transformation. Across Berlin, the housing crisis continues to fuel tensions between residents and landlords, as well as between communities and developers. The rise of platforms like ImmoScout and WG-Gesucht has further complicated matters, normalizing temporary and informal rentals. Some listings even advertise “registration possible” as an added benefit, suggesting that legal status is becoming a commodity rather than a right. Meanwhile, activists argue that the system is designed to exclude marginalized groups, particularly those unable to afford formal leases or navigate bureaucratic hurdles. As the city prepares for elections, the debate over housing rights takes on new urgency. Advocates call for stronger protections for renters, greater transparency in real estate transactions, and policies that prioritize affordability over profit. The success of grassroots movements, such as the campaign to prevent the demolition of Diekmann’s building, offers hope that collective action can challenge entrenched power structures. Yet, the road ahead remains uncertain, with the future of countless households hanging in the balance.
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