Berlin has become the first city in Germany to introduce a cap on what landlords can charge new tenants.

Landlords in the capital are now prohibited from raising rent prices by more than 10 per cent higher than the average for that area, according to The Guardian. Residents in Berlin have experienced some of the most rapidly rising rents in the European Union, with figures showing a 9 per cent increase between 2013 and 2014.

The rent cap already applied to existing tenants, meaning the difference between what was charged for existing contacts and new contracts was high, according to Reiner Wild, the managing director of the Berlin Tenants’ Association. “The other problem is that we have 40,000 more inhabitants per year," said Wild.

“We don’t want a situation like in London or Paris,” he added. “The reality in Paris or London is that people with low income have to live in the further-out districts of the city.”

In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent Show all 6 1 /6 In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent London properties A "cosy" flat in an upmarket area of west London is available to rent for a reasonable £520 a month, provided the tenant doesn’t mind showering under the bed In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent London properties Located on Castletown Road, the advertisement on Zoopla boasts: "A cosy, single studio located in the heart of London’s fashionable and up-market area of West Kensington, this compact mezzanine includes not only a fully furnished living area including table, chair, wardrobe and chest of draws [sic] but also a personal shower and kitchenette complete with storage" In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent London properties The property is recommended for "students, working professionals and those looking for a thriving London life at an affordable rate" Rightmove In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent London properties A studio flat for rent in Kember Street, north London was advertised for £737-a-month Rightmove In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent London properties The 'well-used' kitchen of a flat in Hoxton, which was on the market for £997 per month Zoopla In pictures: Tiny London flats to rent London properties For only £125 per week you could be the lucky owner of this single studio flat, complete with shower and kitchenette, located between Barons Court and West Kensington Zoopla

There has been growing calls for rent control legislation in London as the cost of living in the British capital spirals out of control. Landlords upped rent prices by eight per cent last year and tenants in the UK have few legal protections in comparison with other countries. A survey conducted earlier this year by YouGov found that only 8.6 per cent of people were against mandatory rent controls while 59 per cent supported them.

The number of crowded flats appearing in newspapers where beds and wardrobes are in the kitchen are a testament to the housing crisis facing renters in London.

One brutally honest estate agent’s description of an east London flat failed to deter prospective tenants despite being advertised as “not very nice” with an asking price of £997 per month.

Another estate agent was forced to defend the price of a flat in west London described as having a “good sized living area”, which was also where the bed was located.

Betsy Dillner, the director of Generation Rent, told The Independent more extensive rent controls would be needed to protect tenants in London.

“London’s rental market has far higher rents and fewer existing regulations than Berlin’s, so replicating this rent policy here would not work.