More than 1,700 HOWOGE tenants participated in the tenants' council's first survey. The results provide important insights into tenant satisfaction and will lead to initial measures.
A positive balance sheet – that's what matters to tenants
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It was the first time a Berlin tenants' council had conducted a survey. Last year, HOWOGE tenants were able to participate in a short online questionnaire from the council. The aim was to learn what matters to the tenants – from finding an apartment to their ongoing tenancy and the work of the tenants' council. "The survey was intended to provide insights into tenant satisfaction and the perception of the tenants' council," explains Alexander Nuss, who has been a member of the tenants' council since 2024 and also sits on the HOWOGE supervisory board. Nuss is pleased with the participation rate: "We were very happy with the high turnout."
Over a thousand votes
With over 1,700 participants, the survey was well-attended. Participation was particularly high among tenants aged 35 to 44. After the survey was open to all tenants over 18 for three months, the members of the tenants' council began the evaluation process. The overall result is positive, Nuss summarizes. However, regarding tenant services, accessibility, handling of defects, and communication, there were clear suggestions and requests from the tenants, which will now be addressed jointly with HOWOGE.
The survey is making a difference.
The survey covered three main areas of tenant satisfaction: before the start of the tenancy, during the tenancy, and with the work of the tenants' council itself. Satisfaction was lowest when it came to finding an apartment. Nuss explains: "This is primarily due to the overall housing situation in Berlin – it's simply not easy to find an apartment, even though HOWOGE's system is fair and equitable."
The process of signing the lease and the apartment viewing received the best ratings. The tenants' council and landlord have already responded to the demand for improved tenant services: Since February, HOWOGE has been offering walk-in tenant consultation hours at selected locations. "We are very proud of this immediate measure resulting from the survey," says tenants' council member Nuss.
Satisfied with the quality of housing and the tenants' council
While the tenants are largely satisfied with the overall quality of their living conditions, the volunteer representative explains, "There's still room for improvement in some areas, particularly tenant services." HOWOGE responded gratefully and openly to the tenants' council's initiative and commitment. The survey results were discussed constructively and collaboratively in joint workshops. "We are in dialogue with HOWOGE regarding all points of criticism and are working on developing solutions." The tenants' council is already drawing a positive conclusion from the survey: "Our work is having an impact – we can now engage in discussions with HOWOGE in a completely different way and provide data to support the tenants' concerns." Overall, satisfaction with the tenants' council's work was also very high. "Our committee work is valued," Nuss says happily.