BOLZANO. «The tenants – many are elderly – are afraid.They fear losing their home and not being able to pay the premium. they turn to us for information on what to do. In the next few days we will meet with the Ipes leaders to clarify the issue.” The presidency of Home Center – Maurizio Surian, Dodo Detassis and Alessandro Pancheri – reports that the Institute for subsidized housing has sent letters to the tenants who own a “adequate accommodation“outside the province.
The data obtained is certain, it was carried out an automatic check by cross-referencing the figures with the Revenue agency. «With a few scant lines, Ipes announced the revocation of the apartment and the transition within 30 days from the “social canon” to the “sustainable” one with unavoidable increase in rent. It should be underlined that the new contracts will no longer be permanent but 4+4 renewable.”
New rules – continues the Casa Center – introduced by the 2022 social housing reform law, desired by former councilor Waltraud Deeg. «A “gift” that puts even those who have inherited a small portion of the house into crisis. Here we are not talking about “mansions”, but about two-room apartments or small houses perhaps built over the years and with effort by those who left their homeland to come to work in Alto Adige”.
Palfrader: houses in Calabria, Albania and costa Smerlda
Wilhelm Palfrader - general director of Ipes – explains that the first hundred letters have been sent “but I don’t think there will be many more in total”. What is the case history of those who have a second home? «It varies. There are those who own an accommodation in Calabria without heating but there are also those who own an apartment in the Costa Smeralda or a small house in Albania. In general these are our tenants who have a two-room apartment by the sea or in any case a second holiday home.”
Declaration of uninhabitability, only possible exemption
The summary is that Ipes sent numerous assignees a letter of revocation of the occupied accommodation and an invitation to submit a request for reassignment of the same apartment with the request of the “sustainable rent” instead of the “social rent”. Letter delivered to all those who live in public housing and who own (or hold real rights to) “adequate housing” outside the provincial territory, nonetheless of distance and value. The only condition for exemption is the declaration of uninhabitability of the same. Rule valid for all tenants, both for those with an old assignment, i.e. prior to the entry into force of the Deeg law, and for those with a more recent assignment.
«As can easily be imagined, this communication has created considerable alarm among the recipients, many of whom have turned to us at the Home center for guidance on how to behave and what consequences the transition to the new regime would entail». The letter sent to the tenants is very sparse. «It is mostly a note of a few lines that communicates the revocation of the accommodation and invites the tenant to submit the new application for the transition to the “sustainable rent” within 30 days. No information is given on the new fee,nor on the contents of the new contract.”
The rent will be higher: «This is the only certainty»
The summary for Surian, Detassis and Pancheri is only one. «Almost everyone will find themselves paying higher rent. «Every single position will be evaluated: the economic capacity of the individuals (Durp), the size of the family unit, the age or the presence of fragile conditions. At the moment the most penalized and the most alarmed are the old tenants.” Based on an initial estimate,the Casa Center makes two calculations. «Let’s take a medium-sized accommodation – 60 square meters net – today the average social rent is between 250 and 300 euros per month. The same occupied by three people with an “estimated economic value” established on the basis of the Durp of 2.37 would go to a sustainable rent of around 350 euros. The values for higher incomes would then rise up to a ”value” of 3.73 which automatically means the transition to the provincial fee of 630 euros”.
How can local organizations support tenants navigating the changes imposed by the new housing policies in Alto Adige?
Interview Title: Navigating Housing Uncertainty in Alto Adige
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Wilhelm Palfrader, general director of the Home Center. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing issues surrounding housing stability for tenants in Bolzano, particularly the elderly population.
Wilhelm Palfrader: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we shed light on this topic, especially given the current challenges many tenants are facing.
Editor: The recent letters sent by the Institute for Subsidized Housing (Ipes) have raised significant concerns among tenants. Can you elaborate on the impact these changes are having, particularly on vulnerable groups?
Palfrader: Certainly.Many of the tenants affected are elderly and worry about losing their homes due to the transition from “social canon” rents to a “lasting” model which increases their costs. This shift, mandated by the 2022 social housing reform law, has left many feeling anxious and confused about their futures.
Editor: It seems that the automated checks with the Revenue Agency have led to this situation. What does this mean for tenants who may not have the means or understanding to navigate this bureaucratic landscape?
Palfrader: ThatS a key issue.The automatic checks are a new growth intended to streamline processes, but they have not accounted for individual circumstances or the nuanced realities of tenants, especially those who may have inherited a modest property. Many are reaching out to us for guidance, as they fear losing their homes without knowing their options.
Editor: The Home Center is scheduled to meet with Ipes leaders. What are the main objectives of this meeting, and what do you hope to achieve for the tenants?
Palfrader: Our primary goal is to advocate for clarity and support for the tenants affected by these changes. We want Ipes to consider solutions that will allow tenants to maintain their homes and ensure that new contracts can accommodate their financial realities.Its crucial we work towards policies that prioritize housing security.
Editor: The reform was spearheaded by former councilor Waltraud Deeg.In your opinion, how might this reform be revised to better serve the interests of tenants, especially those with inherited properties?
Palfrader: The law should promote versatility that reflects the tenants’ financial situations. As a notable example, re-evaluating the criteria for the “sustainable” rent model to consider personal circumstances could help prevent unnecessary displacements. We need a balance between the sustainability of housing programs and the livelihood of the community.
Editor: Ther seems to be a significant emotional toll on tenants in addition to the financial strain. How can the community provide additional support during this transition?
Palfrader: Community support is vital during these uncertain times. Local organizations, social services, and even neighbors can provide emotional and logistical assistance. By establishing forums for discussion and sharing resources, we can help alleviate some fears and create a more informed tenant base.
Editor: As someone deeply immersed in these housing challenges, what message do you wish to convey to the tenants currently worried about their housing situation?
Palfrader: I want tenants to know that they are not alone. It’s important to reach out for help and stay informed. We are advocating on their behalf, and with community action and continued dialog with policymakers, we can find a way to ensure housing stability for everyone.
Editor: Thank you, wilhelm Palfrader, for your insight and for the work you and the Home Center are doing. We hope this conversation sheds light on the pressing issues around housing in Bolzano.
Palfrader: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep this conversation going to ensure a better future for our community.