German Politicians Commit To Abolishing Heating Law

The property owners' association Haus und Grund has criticized a new building modernization law intended to replace previous government legislation. The law aims to implement a cost cap for tenants during modernization processes. Under the new compromise, costs for installing new gas or oil heating systems are to be split 50-50 between landlords and tenants. This specific cost-sharing rule does not apply to existing heating systems that do not require replacement. The association argues that landlords will face increased costs from CO2 pricing, rising grid fees, and alternative fuels. These additional expenses could make real estate investments less attractive. The coalition government reached an agreement on the basic points of the law in February. Former FDP member of the Bundestag Sebastian Schreiber stated that the heating law was better than its reputation suggested. Schreiber noted that the process of creating the law was a failure due to public disputes and incomplete information transmission. He indicated that the implementation process caused issues for craftsmen, industry, and citizens. The comments were made during an interview with Daniel Fest for Hessischer Rundfunk. Daniel Fest, CEO of the Central Association for Sanitary, Heating, and Air Conditioning, criticized the implementation of the heating law.