An idea on how to tackle the housing shortage in the country is splitting opinion.
At a meeting due to be held today, the tenant’s association, Asloca, is suggesting a cap on the size of an apartment that can be rented.
A single tenant will not be able to have a flat bigger than two rooms, and a family of four will be permitted five.
But the Swiss Homeowners’ Association believes the idea constitutes a massive restriction of property rights – and raises many questions. Such as if one member of the household dies – will the others be evicted? Or what happens after a divorce when child care will be shared between the separate parents?
The idea will be discussed at a round table meeting which is bringing together representatives from the cities, cantons, housing associations as well as the Confederation.