Migrants pay higher rents

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Having foreign roots comes at a price. On average, a childless couple pays CHF 1,550 in rent for a 100 square meter apartment – ​​if the two do not have a migration background. Couples whose grandparents, parents or themselves come from abroad have to pay an average of 190 francs more per month for an apartment of the same size. This is according to federal figures from 2019.

For SP alderman Mustafa Atici (53) it is clear: “Certain property owners benefit from the plight of people, especially foreigners.” The Basel politician is annoyed that in the debate about the housing shortage, migrants are only mentioned as a cause of costs. But they are also the ones who are particularly affected.

You live in a smaller space, but for a higher price

The National Council of the SP is now raising the issue of discrimination against migrants in the housing market in parliament. It has long been proven that people with foreign-sounding names have a harder time getting an apartment.

In addition, figures show that people with a migration background not only pay more per square meter, but also live in smaller apartments on average. Their house is on average 8 square meters smaller. The differences are particularly large in Eastern Switzerland and the Central Plateau. A 2014 study found that in these cantons, discrimination against people who do not have a typically Swiss name is greatest.

Atici wants to know from the Federal Council how he explains this – and what he intends to do. From the point of view of the National Council of the SP, it is necessary for the federal government to take action. It is intended, among other things, to improve the data situation in this regard and to ensure that it becomes easier for tenants to take legal action against discrimination in the housing market.

Now the Federal Council must keep promises

Four years ago, the Geneva SP Council of States Carlo Sommaruga (63) had already submitted a similar proposal. At the time, the Bundesrat stated that discrimination in the area of ​​housing had to be combated.

But it was just lip service. At the time, the Federal Council announced that it was currently pointless to launch awareness campaigns for landlords. Other measures and possible sanctions were also ruled out for the government. The Bundesrat vaguely promised that the whole thing would be checked again “in due time”. The Basel National Council Atici now wants to force him to comply. (lha)

Source:Blick