Renovation of major Telli construction in Aarau: Living in noise and filth, now at risk of rent increase

When Hintermeier moved, his apartment was already in a deplorable state: the windows were leaking, the doors weren’t closing properly, the air vent in the roof was making a loud noise. “I don’t use my hands clumsily and I fixed some things myself,” the technician says.

Unsuitable replacement flat

When the time came for the general renovation, many tenants persevered: “There was a promise that anyone staying until the end of the renovation would get one month’s rent for free,” Hintermeier says.

Although rents are cheap compared to big cities, a month’s rent is a lot of money for some Telli residents.

“The noise was particularly bad when holes were drilled for the earthquake-proof panels,” Hintermeier says. “It was almost unbearable and every surface was covered in drilling dust.”

When it came time to renovate the pipes, ventilation and flooring, Hintermeier was offered a new flat: “It was dirty, furnished with only a bed and a sofa,” he complains. “Also the apartment was on the 10th floor and the elevator had just been renovated.”

Escape to the campsite

Therefore, there is no chance to bring a few pieces of furniture from your own apartment to the emergency shelter. ‘Climbing the stairs to the upper floors? Even when they’re fit, they only do it once or twice a day.”

So Hintermeier escaped with his dog to a hotel or campsite for a few weeks. “This time, I want compensation from the landlord Axa insurance company,” says the disappointed tenant.

Meanwhile, it doesn’t seem to meet the perseverance criteria as it has moved to another renovated apartment building in the residential area. “I didn’t get a month’s rent” Still had to swallow the noise and dirt for years.

Blick readers get nothing

On request, Axa wrote that it had “received a very positive response from tenants” throughout the construction period. In addition, Axa provided new apartments and hotels free of charge and “was waived 1.5 months’ rent”.

Hintermeier did not benefit from this. A little thing happened that finally broke the camel’s back: “Suddenly, it was no longer possible to pay the rent with direct debit (LSV), only with a payment slip.”

Responsible management says: “Wincasa, in consultation with the relevant owners, has decided not to offer direct debit payments anymore.” This is due to the harmonization of Swiss payment processes.

anger grows

Hintermeier doesn’t understand this: “Currently, hundreds of new payment receipts are being sent, but there is no money for my activities.”

Dissatisfaction is also growing among some other tenants in Telli. An internal tenant chat reads: “Are there any tenants resisting large rent increases and inadequate inconvenience compensation in connection with the renovation?” Fear of more rent increases also circulates in this conversation – because of possible further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and its not yet depleted rent increase reserves.

After all: Blick readers, a compromise solution may still be on the way for Hintermeier. “We will look into this case,” Axa said when asked by Blick.

*Name changed