Public petition n°4045

Petitioner: Tiago Jorge Rodrigues de Oliveira

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We, the citizens of Luxembourg, call for the implementation of legal measures that guarantee fair and affordable rents. These measures should allow all families, young adults, and low-income individuals to live in decent housing, while protecting private landlords and social housing providers. To achieve this goal, we propose: - Capping rents, based on apartment size, condition, and location, to limit excessive increases and ensure affordable housing. - Clear and transparent rental contracts, securing the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords. - Development of innovative solutions such as Mietkauf (rent-to-own), allowing tenants to gradually become homeowners while ensuring landlords receive stable and secure income. - Tax incentives or subsidies for landlords who maintain fair rents or adopt rent-to-own solutions.

1. Housing access in crisis In Luxembourg, rents have increased significantly in recent years, far outpacing household income growth. This makes it difficult for many families and young workers to access decent housing. Regulating rents is essential to ensure that everyone can live in safe and affordable accommodation. 2. Ensuring landlord security Landlords play a key role in the housing market. They must earn enough income to maintain their properties, pay taxes, and cover insurance. Measures such as tax incentives, renovation subsidies, and compensation mechanisms protect their interests while regulating the market. 3. Rent-to-own: A pathway to ownership Mietkauf (rent-to-own) combines renting with gradual acquisition: a portion of the rent is credited toward future ownership of the property. This system gives tenants a path to homeownership while providing landlords with stable and secure income. It reduces the risk of missed payments and encourages a trusting relationship between tenant and landlord. 4. Clear and balanced legal framework To be effective, regulation must be legally well-defined: - Rent caps based on objective criteria (size, condition, location). - Standardized rental and rent-to-own contracts protecting tenants and landlords. - It is also necessary to strengthen legislation against illegal squatting to protect property owners and ensure respect for property rights. - Sanctions for non-compliance, as well as incentives for participating landlords. 5. A fair and stable housing market These measures aim to create a more balanced housing market: - Tenants gain access to affordable housing and the possibility of ownership. - Landlords maintain predictable and secure income. - Trust between tenants and landlords is strengthened, promoting social and economic stability. Call to Action : Ensuring accessible housing is essential to maintain social cohesion and Luxembourg's economic attractiveness. We urge politicians to adopt a balanced rental law that includes rent caps, clear contracts, and support for Mietkauf, to ensure accessible housing for everyone while protecting landlords who contribute to a stable and fair housing market.