The initiative, led by SPD candidate Steffen Krach, aims to employ approximately 100 inspectors to review thousands of rental contracts for compliance with legal standards. This effort, termed ‘Operation Rent Reducer,’ is set to commence in January 2027, following a grace period for landlords to voluntarily reduce unlawful rents. The SPD also advocates for increased penalties for rent overcharging, proposing fines of up to €100,000 at the federal level. The coalition government, including the CDU, is working towards establishing a comprehensive rental and housing registry to facilitate systematic oversight of the rental market.