Questions and answers

• Why a complete renovation rather than a partial renovation in stages?

  Investigations have revealed that the building has high levels of pollutants: among other things, the base coat/finish coat on walls and ceilings, the adhesive under floor and wall coverings, and the putty joints on windows and façades contain asbestos. Some of the water and sewage pipes are damaged and need to be replaced. The power supply and distribution do not meet current standards.
  In the case of a partial renovation, the contaminated parts of the building affected by the partial renovation would have to be renovated and disposed of. Due to the necessary construction work, tenants would have to leave their flats, in some cases use external staircases, temporarily do without lifts, etc., exposing them to unacceptable health risks.
  For these reasons, partial renovation would require alternative housing, which is not available in sufficient quantities on the estate, within the neighbourhood or within the municipality.

• Why should I move out when my flat is still in a good condition?

  Just because it looks good on the outside doesn’t mean it’s good on the inside. There are some serious structural defects: the roof leaks, water seeps into flats, spare parts for lifts are no longer available, and energy efficiency is outdated. Renovation while the building is still occupied is not technically feasible for safety, health and structural reasons.

• What has been done over the past 25 years to keep the property in good shape?

  The property has been regularly maintained over the years:
  Ongoing: carpets replaced with parquet or linoleum when tenants move out, painting work, partial replacement of bathrooms and kitchens, ongoing maintenance of lifts
  The wet rooms in the commercial premises were modernised and the heating burner replaced.
  2003: Modernisation of both lifts
  2005: Renovation of the garage roof, including asphalt surface
  2007/08: Replacement of laundry room appliances
  2012: Repairs to lift motors and ropes
  2017: Implementation of fire safety measures

• Am I already exposed to health risks due to the contaminated parts of the building?

  No. As long as you do not work on the structural elements (drilling, grinding, high-pressure cleaning, milling) and release asbestos fibres, there is no immediate danger.

• When will the tenancy agreements for the flats be terminated?

  The tenancy agreements will be terminated on 30 April 2026. At the same time, all tenants will receive an agreement to extend the tenancy (extension agreement).

• When is the latest date by which tenants must move out?

  If they sign the extension agreement, the tenant must move out by 30 June 2027 at the latest. If they do not sign the extension agreement, they must move out by 30 April 2026.

• What legal remedies are open to tenants?

  The official notice form contains information on legal remedies.

• What do I gain from an extension agreement?

  By signing the extension agreement, you confirm to the owner that you will vacate the flat by 30 June 2027 without any further legal claims. In return, the owner grants you 14 months to find a new flat. It also gives you the right to leave the flat at short notice (within one month) without incurring any costs. You will not be taking any risks by signing the agreement. The owner is obliged to ensure the continued operation of the property for the duration of the extension agreement.

• How does the owner intend to help tenants find housing?

  Out of consideration for our foreign-language tenants, all of the necessary information and offers are available in French and English. Tenants can contact the management company to arrange a personal appointment. The management company will address the individual needs of tenants directly.
  The management company is well connected in the neighbourhood and will provide tenants with extensive support in their search for housing (e.g. with reference letters, organising and accompanying them on viewings, etc.).
  The commune of Köniz was also involved in the process at an early stage in order to maximise all opportunities within the commune.

• What happens to tenants who are unable to find replacement housing within a reasonable period of time?

  We are giving approximately two years’ notice – which is a generous amount of time and should ensure that each tenant has sufficient time to find a new place to live. What’s more, we offer comprehensive support in finding a new home. We are therefore confident that all tenants will be able to find a new solution that suits them. In addition, the social welfare office of the commune of Köniz will actively help to ensure that suitable solutions are found.

• Will all of the tenants be treated equally, or are there exceptions?

  All tenants will be treated equally.

• Will my rent be lowered because of the termination?

  No, the property will continue to be operated until 30 June 2027. Today’s rents have already been adjusted to reflect the current circumstances.

• When will the complete renovation begin and how long will it take?

  The complete renovation will commence as soon as all of the tenants have vacated the property and the authorities have granted planning permission. The complete renovation will take around 15 months.

• How long will I be able to use the overground parking spaces?

  The overground parking spaces can be used up until the termination date, including any extension (30 June 2027).

• What precautions will the building owner take when dismantling the asbestos elements?

  The owner has called in specialist consultants on building pollutants and their disposal to ensure that contaminated demolition material is dismantled, disposed of and recycled in accordance with the law.
  Any components containing harmful substances will be dismantled and disposed of by a certified asbestos removal company. A plan approved by SUVA is required for asbestos decontamination. The dismantling process will also be supervised by a specialist construction manager. The success of the asbestos removal will be verified by a certified measurement institute by means of acceptance/control measurements on completion of the renovation work. No further measures to protect people and the environment during dismantling are necessary from where we stand today.

• What impact will the renovation work have in terms of construction noise, lorry traffic and dust pollution?

  The usual restrictions can be expected during the construction work. Due to the limited construction site space (little storage space), a higher volume of delivery traffic can be expected. The rules and regulations of the commune of Köniz apply for the construction work.

• How will the mix of housing types change?

  The mix of housing types will not be changed by the renovation.

• How will the standard of the flats change?

  The flats are being modernised to meet today’s requirements and will be geared to the mid-price segment. The existing mix of housing types will be expanded to include shared spaces (laundry facilities, roof terrace, lobby) and surrounding areas.

• What changes will there be in rental prices?

  The aim is to achieve a fair, sustainable cost-benefit ratio. Rental prices will be based on the regional average and reflect the new offering with greatly improved comfort, energy efficiency and standard of furnishings and fittings.

• Have the renovation plans been agreed with the authorities and specialist departments?

  The renovation work has been discussed in advance with the authorities and specialist departments. Planning permission is still pending.

• Can the existing tenants move back into Kohlenweg? If so, on what terms?

  Yes, that is in principle possible. We would like to enable former tenants to return, provided they are interested and the relevant flats are suitable for their situation in life. The plan is to draw up a list of interested tenants and to inform these exclusively before any official advertisements are posted. Nevertheless, it will still be necessary to submit a new application. Selections will be made in the course of new lettings, with particular attention being paid to guaranteeing fair and socially acceptable solutions.

• Will existing tenants receive preferential treatment when the flats are re-let?

  Yes, existing tenants will be given preferential consideration when new leases are signed (exclusivity) – provided that the new flats are suitable for their financial situation. It is important to us that long-term tenants have a fair chance to return. Communication with all interested parties will be transparent and understandable.