Düsseldorf Tenants Protest Empty Apartments, Evictions
In Düsseldorf, tenants and activists took to the streets on Sunday, protesting against the city's empty apartments for rent and the lack of interest in existing housing stock compared to new construction projects. The demonstration saw participation from various political parties and an empty apartment in Bankstraße 11 was occupied to highlight the issue.
Landlords have been accused of using termination notices and initial work that makes living conditions unbearable to force tenants out, allowing them to charge higher rents later. Many apartments in Düsseldorf have been empty for years due to these underhanded measures. Protesters wanted answers from the mayor and responsible administrators about the empty apartments for rent and the lack of action on the housing protection ordinance, which can penalize deliberate vacancy.
In Golzheim, affected tenants and victims of real estate sharks have formed a network to organize resistance against evictions. An employee of an investor compared the approach to real estate investment to the game Monopoly, highlighting the profit-driven nature of the industry.
The demonstration in Düsseldorf highlights the ongoing issue of empty apartments for rent and tenant evictions in the city. While the city has a housing protection ordinance, its enforcement remains a concern. Tenants and activists are organizing to resist evictions and demand action from the city administration.
