Court ruling could impact those in flats too big

A ruling by the Federal Court could have major ramifications for people who live in an apartment which is too big for them.

The court ruled in favour of canton Zurich that wants to evict an elderly woman who lives alone in a six-bedroom apartment. 

Zurich already has strict rules about tenancy, in an effort to make sure people do not live in underoccupied space – or in a property that is underpriced according to the tenant’s income. 

Income can’t exceed 6 times the rent. 

When the rules were brought in, it affected nearly 5,000 people. Those who fell foul were offered accommodation more suited to their needs. 

While most took the offer – one woman resisted. 

She’d lived in the flat since 1995 – her husband died a few years ago. 

The ruling means she now must move out. 

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