In our heartfelt sorrow, we pay tribute to the tranquil tenants' uprising in Reinickendorf, who dared to challenge the status quo.
Live in Berlin and hear about a legendary local figure? Say hello to Manfred "Manne" Moslehner, the unyielding rent rebel who passed away at 85. He lived, breathed, and fought in his familial abode at Steinberg, notoriously known as "Kleinkleckersdorf" for its row houses upon row houses.
Back in 2010, a developer snatched up the quaint settlement from the city of Berlin, transforming it into a modernized luxury paradise. The renovation boosted the value of each house to a hefty million euros, but the outcome left long-term tenants—protected by tenant laws but weary and pressured—struggling to cope.
Together with Manne and a local initiative against harassment and impending evictions, these tenants took to the streets for years, protesting and battling in court. "Steinberg fights! Manne stays!" became their battle cry.
It wasn't until autumn 2024 that Manne—a certified machine fitter—score a victory in the regional court and prevents a last-minute eviction order from the Wedding district court. The eviction notice was deemed unlawful by the court.
Manne drew his pension at a modest 1,000 euros. The ensuing rent would have skyrocketed to around 1,400 euros, leaving him facing homelessness if evicted. Today, new tenants in Kleinkleckersdorf can expect to pay up to 4,000 euros cold!
A humble soul with a love for books, crossword puzzles, classical music, and quiet rebellion, Manne was the living heart of the settlement. Previously, he ran his mother's corner shop as a child. Recently, he was hospitalized and had passed away peacefully.
Old friend and fellow warrior, Hans-Hartmut Lenz (72), shares somber news. "Early last week, Manne had a fainting spell, fell, and was taken to the hospital, where he eventually died." Lenz fears that Moslehner might receive an anonymous burial due to the lack of descendants. Yet, despite his passing, 17 rebels continue the fight for their homes.
Manne didn't leave behind any heirs, but he ignited a legacy. The fight for affordable housing in Steinberg continues, keeping Manne's spirit alive.
In the context of Manne Moslehner's battle against eviction in Steinberg, his humble lifestyle and love for home-and-garden are evident, as he maintained his familial abode amidst the modernization and faced potential homelessness. Despite his passing, Manne's lifestyle and the home-and-garden legacy he left behind continue to inspire 17 rebels fighting for their affordable housing in Steinberg.
