The tenants’ association, ASLOCA, is collecting signatures to change the law and bring in far stricter rent control.
It believes rents charged in many cities, especially Geneva, are excessive. Prices have gone up 40% since the year 2000. ASLOCA say tenants pay CHF 10bn a year more than they should.
The proposed initiative would limit the rent that can be charged by property owners – but will allow a moderate return on the capital.
But landowners say the system would be costly to run and counterproductive and limit new builds.
They point to Geneva, which has strict rules surroundings renovation and conversion. All changes must be approved – this, say landowners, is why Geneva has the lowest quality housing in the country
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