After 28 years in Wolfsanger: Iris Weber before the housing shortage

After 28 years in Wolfsanger: Iris Weber before the housing shortage

Stand: 31.07.2024, 04:56 a.m.

by: Hannah Köllen

The effects of housing terminations in Kassel

In Kassel, the extract of a long-standing tenant is an example of the challenges that many citizens in the city experience while living. Iris Weber, a 57-year-old woman, has to leave her apartment after almost 30 years due to a relieved termination of her landlord, who she received at the end of April 2022. This case is symptomatic of a major problem in the area of ​​tenancy law and the social living space in the region.

The loss of a home

Iris Weber, who works as a museum supervision, talks about her upcoming move. "This is not just a move, I leave my home. I have a network, friendships and a connection to nature here," explains Weber. Your new social housing in a busy area on Leuschnerstrasse does not do justice to your needs, especially the search for calm. In addition, the concern for space is large for your furniture.

Tenant law background

Iris Weber's cancellation was possible because her apartment is located in a house inhabited by the landlord. This means that there are no special reasons for termination for this type of living space, which leads to an increased risk for tenants. Henrich Werhahn, a representative of the Northern Hesse Tenants' Association, warns: "Such dismissals can put tenants into an extremely uncertain situation." It is crucial that future rental contracts regulate opportunities for termination to protect tenants.

Social aspects of the shortage of housing

The situation in Kassel is not isolated. Between January and July 2024, 73 evacuations have already been registered, which indicates an increasing rental crisis. The social welfare office's central specialist office tries to offer support those affected by initially acting as an intermediary between tenant and the landlord. If this does not work, alternative accommodation options can be offered to avoid homelessness.

A fate that affects many

The case of Iris Weber reflects a growing problem: the displacement of long-standing tenants from their apartments. Again and again, rental apartments are also offered as holiday apartments that ignore the urgent needs of people who are looking for stable living space. Tenants like Weber see themselves in the risk of being pushed into unprotected living conditions, while the demand for affordable living space continues to increase.

The personal search for stability

Although Iris Weber has a social housing, it remains questionable whether she can regain the feeling of at home and security that she experienced in Wolfsanger. "I hope that I can still find an apartment in my area because I just belong to this neighborhood," she says. Their history calls on critically looking at the current developments on the housing market and taking the necessary steps to ensure social stability in the region.

- Nag