The rent club will also soon strike in social housing. The city relies on the principle of hope – and wait.
It is actually a basic need, but living is increasingly becoming a luxury. The figures are still shocking: every third Austrian expects to be unable or barely able to pay their housing costs in the next three months.
The next rent increase will follow in less than two months, no less than nine percent. Then the rent will be increased again. About 400,000 classic old-build apartments have been affected. But not alone. Because about 100,000 standard rental apartments in municipal buildings are also affected.
Will the city of Vienna suspend the rent increase this year?
We therefore wanted to know from those responsible how the city is dealing with the increase in its own sphere of influence. You could also simply suspend them. Just like Graz did last year.
Mayor Michael Ludwig refers directly to Housing Councilor Kathrin Gaál (both SPÖ) in response to a request from “Krone”. However, this automatically passes the delicate cup to the federal government. “The internationally renowned Viennese housing model stands for affordable living space for generations.” The question arises: for how long? The postscript mainly needs explanation: “Wiener Wohnen is obliged to manage well (even if it is not on profit maximization). Therefore, it is not possible to arbitrarily suspend the provisions of federal law.” But no one is left behind.
The city hopes for a solution from the federal government
Wiener Wohnen currently has 81,600 leases based on the benchmark interest rate and 116,200 leases based on the rental category. The share of rent arrears that can currently be determined is low at approximately three percent.
The increase will have a dramatic impact on the housing market. The city of Vienna hopes that the federal government will find a solution before April 1 to limit the increase. But with hope alone, no one can pay their rent.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
