BAZ Applauds New Policy on Multiple Home Ownership

The German government announced today a new policy addressed at relieving the severe housing shortages that have plagued Berlin in recent years. In its official announcement, a government spokesman said, "From now onwards, people living in Berlin will be restricted to renting only one living space (apartment, house, shed, etc), unless another apartment has been available for over ten (10) days, in which case they may rent this, as well."

The BAZ applauds this long overdue decision and hopes that it will be strictly and immediately enforced. There is no place for real estate hoarding or speculation when so many people are in need of even simple shelter. With winter rapidly approaching, we are gratified that this decision was not further delayed. An exemption was included for those who already own more than one dwelling (a mistake in our view), along with an appeal to reconsider whether or not multiple units were really needed. We won't hold our breath.

Like any modern City, Berlin has its privileged class, who in general approach life with an attitude of entitlement. "I've been living here for six months/one year/two years/since Christ was in diapers, so I am entitled to cut to the front of any line and have first choice at everything." Their "wants" become "needs". (As in I "need" more prims.) While the legitimate needs of the less fortunate get brushed aside with no more concern than swatting an annoying fly. This is the attitude that causes revolutions. This sensible policy will also prevent the practice of grabbing up housing units and reserving them for one's friends, creating "ghettos" of doppelgangers.

The BAZ is not often a fan of government policy. But in this case, we support it with enthusiasm.