Immobilien: Mit diesen Tricks verdrängen Eigentümer ihre Mieter

Kai Schönbach enjoys a stunning view from his office in Frankfurt. The lawyer stands on the balcony of the twelfth floor of Frankfurt's Department of Housing and gazes over his city. He can see the Uni-Campus Westend, the high-rise towers of inner city and West City, and the Federal Bank behind the Feldberg. Yet, he cannot fully appreciate the view.

Schönbach heads the housing protection unit of the city of Frankfurt. He advises communities facing eviction threats, those of tenants threatened with involuntary displacement due to rising rents, renovations or conversions. Where others see neighborhoods, Schönbach sees vacant lots. Where others admire facades, he sees tenant crises.

Eviction is an increasingly common problem in Germany's housing market. In response, the city of Frankfurt created a unique municipal institution seven years ago in the form of the housing protection unit. Schönbach knows all the methods landlords use to increase rents or force residents out, but also how tenants can fight back.