According to Bern authorities, the apartments are being renovated for the 'next generation'. The affected tenants must leave their apartments because the buildings cannot be renovated while occupied due to the 'large intervention depth', as stated by the Bern city council. ' She noted that the buildings are in such need of renovation that vacant terminations are unavoidable.
The buildings date from the 1940s to the 1970s. The renovation includes building envelopes, new heating systems, balconies, and photovoltaic systems, with floor plans partially adjusted and apartments made as barrier-free as possible. Construction work is scheduled to begin in 2027 and will be carried out in stages, though the exact timeline for the staged work is not specified.
Behind every rental contract are people.
After all work is completed, approximately 72 rental apartments will be available, slightly fewer than before, and they will continue to be offered at comparatively affordable prices. The city council recently applied to parliament for a credit of 31 million Swiss francs to fund the project, but it is unknown whether the council will approve the credit and the terminations or modify them. ' The affected tenants will be assisted in their housing search, but the specific assistance provided and how many tenants will be unable to find affordable housing remain unclear.
The reduction from 84 to 72 apartments may impact the overall housing supply in Bern, but the extent of this impact is not detailed.
The condition of the houses would only worsen otherwise.
Given the already significant housing shortage in Bern, it must be carefully examined whether the proposed measures are sufficient.