The Parliament has passed two legislative revisions to strengthen landlords’ rights. Due to a double referendum, voters will decide on November 24th.
### Overview
– Landlords are dissatisfied with the rental law, citing tenant abuses in subletting, such as prolonged subletting at exorbitant prices.
– The Parliament’s revisions aim to bolster landlords’ rights in cases of urgent landlord occupancy and subletting.
### Details of the Proposal
The rental market is a politically sensitive issue affecting a significant portion of the population. Approximately 61% of households were in rental accommodations by the end of 2022, with 46% of rental properties owned by private individuals. The remaining properties belong to entities such as pension funds, insurance companies, real estate firms, housing cooperatives, or the government.
The proposed revisions do not alter the core tenets of tenant protection but could indirectly impact eviction protections. One proposal lowers the threshold for landlords to terminate leases due to urgent occupancy needs, while the other tightens regulations on subletting for both residential and commercial properties.
### Revision on Landlord Occupancy
The revision aims to make it easier for landlords to reclaim properties for personal use by lowering the urgency requirement for occupancy. The current laws allow landlords to terminate leases for urgent occupancy needs, but the revision seeks to redefine the urgency standard.
### Revision on Subletting Regulations
The revision introduces four key changes to subletting rules:
1. Written consent from landlords is now required for subletting, aiming to prevent abuse and disputes.
2. Landlords can refuse subletting agreements exceeding two years to prevent prolonged subletting.
3. Additional grounds for refusal are included to enhance flexibility.
4. Unauthorized subletting or providing false information can lead to immediate termination.
### Stakeholder Positions
– The SVP, FDP, and Mitte parties in the National Council support both revisions, with the Hauseigentümerverband advocating for them.
– Proponents argue that the revisions will make private housing construction more attractive and alleviate housing shortages.
### Opposition
– The Mieterverband and the political left oppose both revisions, fearing landlord abuse and weakening tenant protections.
– Critics argue that abuse cases are minimal, existing laws are sufficient, and the revisions could hinder legitimate subletting arrangements.
### Conclusion
The legislative revisions on landlord rights and subletting regulations are crucial to balancing the interests of landlords and tenants in the rental market. The outcome of the upcoming referendum on November 24th will determine the future landscape of rental laws in the country.
### FAQ
1. How do the proposed revisions impact tenant protections?
– The revisions aim to enhance landlord rights in cases of urgent occupancy and subletting, potentially affecting eviction and subletting regulations.
2. Who supports the revisions?
– Proponents include conservative and centrist political parties, as well as the Hauseigentümerverband advocating for better landlord rights.
3. What are the main concerns of the opposition?
– The opposition, led by the Mieterverband and left-wing politicians, worries about potential abuses by landlords and weakening tenant protections through the proposed revisions.