Tenancy law I: stricter rules for subletting 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 53,6% Tightening the rules to the detriment of tenants fell short of nationwide majority approval, obtaining 48.4 per cent of the vote. The Fifth Switzerland, on the other hand, voted in favour (53.6 per cent). The victorious No lobby included the populous canton of Zurich as well as French-speaking Switzerland. Tenancy law II: facilitated termination for reasons of own use 0 5 1015202530354045 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 47,9% This second amendment to tenancy law proved even less popular, with just 46.2 per cent in favour. The Fifth Switzerland was also opposed to this legislative change in favour of landlords. Swiss Abroad Tenancy law I: stricter rules for subletting – yes votes in percent Swiss Abroad Tenancy law II: facilitated termination for reasons of own use – yes votes in percent The electorate has voted against building additional lanes on motorways like the A1 (seen here traversing the outskirts of Berne). Photo: Keystone pression of “growth aversion”. Many people feel Switzerland is growing too quickly, he said: “They fear an evergreyer Switzerland, covered in concrete”, Herman told the Tamedia newspapers. The public’s no to the motorway expansion shows what other road construction projects may also have to contend with. According to Minister of Transport Albert Rösti (SVP), a comprehensive expansion of the A1 motorway is now off the agenda. The Federal Council and parliament had intended to extend the busy stretch between Lausanne and Geneva and from Berne to Zurich to at least six lanes. Only the healthcare reform passed at the polls Meanwhile, it’s full steam ahead for the healthcare reforms. The Swiss voted 53.3 per cent in favour of the standardised financing of health insurance benefits. The Fifth Switzerland also agreed to the legislative change. It will lead to more treatments being classified as outpatient and costing less as a result. The authorities hope to see savings of up to 440 million Swiss francs. This was the one vote where the unions came up short. They had campaigned against the bill arguing, among other things, that the quality of care could be compromised and working conditions could also be affected. A reality check for landlords Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for tenancy law: 51.6 per cent of the electorate said no to tightening the rules for subletting. The Fifth Switzerland approved the legislative change, albeit to no avail. The bill was designed to prevent abuse of the system. If the bill had passed, tenants would have had to obtain explicit written agreement from the owner each time they wanted to sublet a property. As the law stands now, the tenant simply has to notify the owner. The no vote (53.8 per cent) was somewhat more emphatic in response to the proposed simplification of lease terminations for own use. Landlords will still have to prove that they have an “urgent” need for an apartment or house for themselves or for close relatives if they want to dissolve an existing rental contract. The Fifth Switzerland concurred as it also voted against the motion. The victorious tenant’s association is now preparing for the next defence of tenants’ rights. On Voting Sunday, it was already threatening referendums if parliament backs other adverse legislation, when setting rent levels for example. If it comes to that, the people will as always have the last word. Swiss Review / January 2025 / No.1 13
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