Thuringia calls for social housing: tenants under pressure!

Thuringia calls for social housing: tenants under pressure!

In Thuringia the housing situation is becoming increasingly tense. While some regions offer good care, others, especially in the so-called “city chain”, are struggling with a significant housing shortage. Loud The Left Thuringia More and more apartments are falling out of social security, which further exacerbates the problem. However, the challenges are not limited to the number of apartments, but also include aspects such as affordability, amenities and accessibility. High rents can occur even in regions without an actual housing shortage, influenced by speculative mechanisms.

Older people in particular are looking for affordable, barrier-free living space, while young families urgently need affordable rental or condominiums. The Free State of Thuringia is obliged by the state constitution in Article 15 to ensure sufficient and appropriate housing. In addition, Article 16 guarantees protection against housing and homelessness. In view of this misery, the Die Linke parliamentary group in the Thuringian state parliament initiated a “Thuringian law to strengthen social housing”.

Demands for social housing

The planned legal regulations aim to establish a socially just housing policy. This includes a legally binding oneSocial housing ratefor municipalities to promote the construction of affordable housing. Another point is thisControl of rental prices, in which the state influences the development of rents and additional costs. The legal ban on energy barriers is also a central component.

In addition, regulations should be in placeStrengthening social housingbe anchored in the development plan. The expansion of social ties to private owners as well as the expansion and security of the state's own stock of rental and social housing through the Thuringian State Housing Company (ThürLWG) are also clear demands of the initiative. Tenants should also be given more co-determination rights through the legal anchoring of tenant advisory councils and nationwide advice centers.

Studies show the influence of rent controls

Current studies show that in many metropolitan areas the rent burden for tenants is increasing and landlords are coming under pressure due to pressure on returns and costs. An investigation by Surplus Magazine argues that rent controls play an important role in reducing income inequality. The study highlights that stronger rent controls correlate with reductions in inequality and have been particularly strong during periods of deregulation.

In a comprehensive study on social housing provision in Thuringia, which was carried out at the Bauhaus University Weimar, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation documented the urgent need for measures to create and maintain affordable housing for lower and middle income groups. Dr. Lisa Vollmer, the author of the study, calls for the establishment of a state-owned Thuringian housing company to take on new buildings, purchases, renovations and the management of living space. Your proposals should be developed in a participatory process involving relevant stakeholders as the press portal reports.

With a clear plan and support from both sides of the political spectrum, Thuringia could be on the path to a more social and fair housing policy. But until that happens, it remains to be seen how the planned laws and measures will be implemented in practice.