Real Estate
Buy $28,000 in Furnishings to Rent a Home in the World's Craziest Housing Market
Renters in Berlin say they are being forced to spend small fortunes just to sign a lease.
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Skyrocketing demand is hitting up against strict rent regulations in Berlin, sparking some unusual deal-making.
Renters say they are being asked to spend small fortunes on furniture and appliances to sign a lease. In other cases, it’s several months’ rent in cash to agents as a fee. Some tenants are even agreeing to pay more than what’s legally allowed, either because they don’t know the law — or they just want the apartment, according to real estate agents.