Is there a new solution? – Rent control dispute continues

It was an uphill battle in turquoise and green government jerseys. For many in Austria, renting became increasingly expensive and barely affordable.

The Greens wanted a rental cap, and an agreement was eventually reached in the summer, but this was rejected by the Reds and Blues. There are concerns about interference with private law contracts. The opposition is waiting for a new bill. Julia Herr from the SPÖ says: “Where is the promised rent ceiling? Turquoise and Green are apparently not even managing to implement their insulting cover.” The FPÖ is of the same opinion. What do the government parties say?

Another solution is being worked on
Green negotiator Nina Tomaselli: “A revision of the draft will be ready soon.” The legal problem areas will be addressed. Club chairman Sigi Maurer: “After the rejection by the opposition, we are working on another solution and will present it in the coming days.”

The ÖVP also confirms this. “The amendments are being prepared because the SPÖ and FPÖ refuse a two-thirds majority,” says Maurer, who, together with Tomaselli, cordially invites the opposition to vote for a two-thirds majority. If necessary, the government will do this without support. The law should apply at least from January 1.

Plus a maximum of five percent per year
The current draft stipulates that rents may not increase by more than five percent per year. For the benchmark rents for old buildings and for subsidized rental and cooperative apartments, the inflation adjustment should take place annually from 2025 – instead of every two years. The Greens can envision an expansion into the private sector. This will be an extremely difficult question – for a new government from 2024.