Stories from Cologne · Germany

Landlords in Germany must soon prove the cost of furniture in fully furnished apartments does not exceed 10% of the base rent. New regulations will also require tenants to provide a valid reason for short-term rentals. The Justice Minister is also targeting index-linked rents, proposing that rent increases cannot rise indefinitely if inflation exceeds 3%. The German cabinet has approved a draft law aimed at regulating furnished apartment rentals and index leases. Federal Justice Minister Stephanie Hubeich introduced the proposal to limit the discretion landlords currently have in charging high rents for furnished units. Under the new rules, owners must provide proof of the specific additional costs charged for furniture. The legislation must still pass through the Bundestag.

Starting January 1, public spaces in certain German cities will no longer be permitted to host old clothing containers. Authorities cited increasing littering issues, noting over 800 complaints were filed last year.

Sven Lehmann, chairman of the Bundestag Culture Committee, is demanding a solution for the planned Migration Museum in Cologne. The museum faces potential cancellation due to an additional 33 million euros in costs. The Kölner Stadtanzeiger reported on the funding risks.

Aufbau Verlag has released a new volume of letters written by Brigitte Reimann during the late 1940s and 1950s. Reimann died of bone cancer in 1973 at the age of 39. One letter dates to 1932, addressed to Joseph Stalin, in which she requested his endorsement.

Modern laboratory spaces for startups have opened in the Bocklemünd district of Cologne. The 400-square-meter facility provides fully equipped, shared workspaces featuring modern equipment. These spaces are specifically designed for new business ventures in the medical and biological fields. The initiative aims to strengthen Cologne as a startup location and reduce barriers to entry regarding technical equipment and laboratory availability.

Five men are currently awaiting trial in Germany for their alleged or suspected involvement in the September 11 attacks. Authorities noted that three others may be deported to other countries under specific conditions.

Financial authorities are monitoring neobanks and fintech startups due to deficits in money laundering prevention and risk management. Providers C24 and N26 are specifically noted as being under observation.

The Cologne district government has issued a warning regarding a nurse using falsified professional credentials. The woman has been offering services to senior homes, hospitals, and nursing services, specifically targeting intensive care positions.

The German employment barometer has fallen to its lowest level in six years. Blockades of key trade routes have caused increases in energy prices. The downturn is affecting almost every sector, with industry, trade, and logistics being particularly impacted. Service providers also reported a low in the indicator. This development comes as the German economy prepares for job cuts. The IFO Institute reported that Germany's employment barometer fell by more than two points in March, reaching its lowest level in nearly six years. The decline is attributed to job cuts being made faster than new positions are created. Business owners are planning extensive layoffs due to the ongoing Iran-related conflict. The German Association of General Practitioners has threatened demonstrations in response to proposed savings.

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany has decided to charge visitors an entry fee. The cathedral administration stated it can no longer cover maintenance costs through existing means.