City of Bern | January 18, 2024
People affected by poverty can now seek advice on finding or keeping an apartment. The city is also launching insurance for rental deposits. This is intended to reduce the financial barriers to access to the housing market.
The city of Bern wants to provide support in finding accommodation and rent deposits. Photo: Keystone
It is not uncommon for landlords to require up to three months’ rent to be deposited as security when concluding a rental agreement. This is often difficult or even impossible for people affected by poverty.
The insurance is intended to offer property management companies security similar to that of a bank deposit, the local council wrote in a statement on Thursday. Various foundations are to finance the insurance, one has already agreed, others are still being clarified.
Pilot testing lasts four years
With a new advisory service, the city is aimed at people affected by poverty or at risk of poverty. As part of a four-year pilot project, the Salvation Army Switzerland Foundation will support and advise people in finding accommodation or maintaining their living situation. The advisory center will begin operations in February.
For the two offers, the local council concluded service contracts with the Salvation Army Switzerland Foundation and granted a commitment loan of 180,000 francs.
2024-01-18 19:04:03
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