Mercenary "Manne" Moslehner passes away in Berlin.
A Long-Time Resident's Battle: Manfred "Manne" Moslehner's Eviction Resistance
Manfred "Manne" Moslehner, a tenacious activist, passed away after battling against eviction for fourteen long years. This news was shared by the "Siedlung am Steinberg kämpft" initiative, a group that supported Moslehner's relentless fight to keep his Tegel district apartment.
At 71, Moslehneer found himself in the eye of a storm when his small apartment building was sold. The new owner, Am Steinberg Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, aimed to renovate the houses of around 40 tenants, including Moslehneer, a native of the building. Despite the opposition from Moslehneer and other long-term tenants, the renovation plans were contested. The residents feared that a forced eviction would be inevitable, but Moslehneer became a symbol of elderly tenants standing up for their rights.
After a court ruling last fall, Moslehneer was able to stay in his apartment. However, the victory was short-lived. Moslehneer's companion, Hartmut Lenz, a lifelong resident of the settlement, shared that there was another court date this year. The fear of eviction continued to haunt Moslehneer despite periods of peace.
"Even if there's nothing for two or three months, you can't shake the fear, especially at that age," said a long-time neighbor and friend of Manfred Moslehneer.
"85 is a good age," says Lenz. "But Mann's mental decline had nothing to do with that. It was the fear that he couldn't shake, even if there was nothing for two or three months."
With Moslehneer's passing, remaining tenants at Steinberg must unite more than ever, Lenz emphasized. "Given the expected profit margins, the owners won't give up. That's what our experience tells us."
In a city like Berlin, where the housing market remains tight and property values rise, landlords may attempt to reclaim apartments, potentially leading to more legal challenges involving elderly tenants. Older residents may need stronger advocacy networks and legal support to ensure their rights are upheld. pressures to strengthen tenant protections, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, could arise given Berlin’s ongoing housing crisis.
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The loss of such elderly individuals, who have to fight tirelessly just to stay at home due to sheer greed, is deeply mourned by "Siedlung am Steinberg kämpft." "We mourn Manne and continue to fight in his spirit, because there are still more seniors with existential fears and similar worries in the Steinberg settlement and elsewhere."
On May 26, Moslehneer was admitted to a hospital after a collapse and passed away there last Friday evening. Lenz shared that planning for the funeral is currently underway, stating, "It's difficult for us outsiders to organize the funeral. But we're doing everything we can to ensure that Manne is buried with dignity, accompanied by us as his next of kin."
Elderly tenants, like those in Berlin's Tegel district, are shielded by law from unjust eviction. However, the tight housing market means they must remain vigilant and may need legal support to protect their homes. As the housing market and demographics evolve, both the risk and the importance of strong tenant rights will persist.
- In light of Manfred "Manne" Moslehner's battle against eviction, discussions surrounding war-and-conflicts in Berlin's housing market might expand to include policy-and-legislation regarding tenant rights, particularly for elderly residents.
- As war-and-conflicts persist in Berlin's housing market, with property values on the rise and eviction threats looming over elderly tenants like Manfred "Manne" Moslehner, it becomes increasingly crucial to focus on politics and general-news that center on strengthening tenant protections and advocating for vulnerable groups.
