Rent chaos in Switzerland: landlords are withdrawing!

Rent chaos in Switzerland: landlords are withdrawing!

Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin canceled the second round of discussions on the subject of tenancy law because some of the associations had indicated no interest in continuing the dialogue. This cancellation caused anger among the Swiss Tenants' Association (MV), who blamed the landlords for the failure of the summit. MV Vice President Michael Töngi expressed his perplexity about the landlords' withdrawal and suspects either indifference or arrogance on the part of the landlords towards the tenants' concerns.

The cancellation of the exchange came in the wake of rent votes that took place last November, in which voters surprisingly said no to landlords' concerns. The tenants' association subsequently launched a rent initiative that aims to anchor cost rents in law and introduce state rent controls. Olivier Feller, general secretary of the French-speaking Swiss homeowners' association, described this initiative as an attack on tenancy law and sees the heated climate as an obstacle to constructive discussions.

Criticism of the real estate lobby

In a broader context, other organizations are also concerned about developments in tenancy law. The real estate lobby is therefore planning restrictions on the rights of tenants. This should be done, among other things, by making it easier to enforce terminations for personal use. In addition, subletting is made more difficult and in some cases completely prohibited. From winter onwards, landlords will be able to increase rent prices for new rentals more easily and the options for tenants to legally defend themselves against rent increases should also be restricted.

On September 29th of this year, a civil majority was achieved in the Federal Parliament, which was able to approve two bills from the homeowners association. These changes allow homeowners to register their own use without valid reasons. Once notices have been given, cancellations often result in the affected apartments being offered again shortly afterwards at higher prices. Approving subletting will require the owner's permission in the future, but this can easily be refused. This creates further leverage against the tenants.

Resistance and mobilization

A referendum has already been held to protest against the planned changes to employment protection. The initiatives to increase rent prices for new rentals are still in progress, which is leading to increasing mobilization among tenants. The tenants' association is calling for support for referendums against the changes to tenancy law. Further information on the ongoing campaigns against restrictions on tenancy rights can be found at tenancy-rights-attack-no.ch to find.

Federal Councilor Parmelin regrets the cancellation of the talks, but reiterates his intention to continue to work for constructive solutions. Developments in tenancy law could be crucial for the future housing situation in Switzerland, and tensions between tenants and landlords appear to be continuing to grow.