ARGE Eigenheim demands more subsidized housing
This is according to a Eurostat study. The ÖVP-affiliated ARGE Eigenheim, in view of this, calls for more subsidized housing and sees it as a solution for more affordable living.
According to the study, people with the median income in Austria pay around 18 percent of their disposable household income for housing, which is slightly below the EU average of 19 percent. This is a "strong expression of the middle-class orientation of the housing policy system in Austria," said Alexis Mundt from the Institute for Real Estate, Construction, and Housing at a press conference on Thursday. In Germany, which has a slightly higher rental share than Austria, the share of median income is significantly higher at 25 percent, while the housing cost burden for households at risk of poverty is very similar to that in Austria.
The lever for affordability is not seen in further rent control, "but in the creation of new housing in a housing supply," said ARGE chairwoman Isabella Stickler. Tenants should have the choice and not have to take an apartment with higher rent. Currently, the gap between existing rents, for tenants who have lived long-term, and market rents, for tenants facing free market rents, is widening. However, "the demand for affordable rental options is not being met, especially in urban centers," criticized Mundt.
Campaign for Raising Awareness Against Illegal Key Money
Furthermore, tenants could save money by paying attention to the legality of key money. With a campaign, ARGE Eigenheim aims to raise awareness against illegal key money. Apart from the fact that there is no obligation to take over items from the previous tenant for payment, caution is also advised when concluding such an agreement. For example, the so-called key money, a consideration for handing over the key, is not permissible. The key money requires an equivalent consideration, meaning a fair price for transferred furniture. Payments that were unjustly demanded and made can be reclaimed retroactively for ten years by the subsequent tenant, said Stickler.
Regarding the recent court rulings on value protection clauses in rental contracts, which have caused a lot of attention, the ARGE chairwoman said that "clear legal regulations are needed." ARGE Eigenheim is an association of around 100 housing companies in Austria.
(APA/Red)
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