[est31]

The Berlin rent cap is different from rent caps elsewhere, say SF. The Berlin rent cap includes new contracts, too.

[throw4738]

Not if you stay months in hotel or Airbnb. And that is only available option.

[flohofwoe]

AirBnB is part of the problem btw. There are at least 4 fulltime AirBnB flats on my building floor (that I'm aware of). I'm assuming it's AirBnB because there's a very high "fluctuation" of new people in those flats (few days to 2 or 3 weeks). Imagine if all those AirBnBs would be available for longterm renting ;)

[HotHotLava]

Since 2014 you need to have an official permission to use a flat for AirBnb. If you suspect these are illegally rented out, you can report them to the Berlin government here:

https://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/wohnen/zweckentfremdu...

[throw4738]

It is like saying refugees are part of the problem, because they are taking flats from the market. People who rent Airbnb also have a right to be in Berlin.

And this policy is pushing more flats from normal market into airbnbs.

[flohofwoe]

Dude, the people booking those AirBnBs are not refugees but well-paid tech-bros and party tourists. Gimme a break.