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Gentrification in Ottensen: Tenants fight for survival on Nernstweg!
In Ottensen, the sale of a house on Nernstweg is causing concerns about gentrification, rent increases and social preservation regulations.
Gentrification in Ottensen: Tenants fight for survival on Nernstweg!
In Hamburg's tranquil Ottensen district, the Nernstweg is currently in the headlines. There is a risk of gentrification here, which could cause tenants like Anneke Nuijen great difficulties. The house sales by Nordzuhause GmbH are often the starting point for major changes, and the tenant has feared since 2012 that the announced renovation measures will burden the neighborhood more than enrich it taz.de reported.
The new owners, Michaela and Susanne Ahrens, have already promised modernizations, which will include new balconies and a loft extension. But not without a hefty rent increase: Anneke is currently paying 768 euros, which could soon rise to over 800 euros, with the possibility that the rent could even rise to almost 1,000 euros. She would have to spend more than half of her net income of 1,800 euros on rent – a real challenge!
Tenants in environmental protection need support
Anneke is not alone. The Social Conservation Ordinance (SEV) ensures that special precautions must be taken in areas with social mix. The meaning of this regulation is clear: tenants should be protected from being displaced by rising rents and inappropriate renovation measures klein-legal.de explained. This means that owners are not allowed to make any fundamental structural changes to their properties without approval from the authorities.
The Nernstweg falls into such a protected area, which strengthens the tenants' position. Anneke therefore took legal action and contacted a lawyer and contacted the district politicians. “I don’t want to leave here,” she says. After all, she has not only found her home here, but also a familiar place in the neighborhood, supported by annual festivals and a strong sense of community.
The relationship with the new owners
But the relationship between tenant and owner is difficult. The owner has made a proposal to mutually terminate the tenancy agreement, combined with a severance payment. However, this is not a solution for Anneke, as she wants to stay close to her work and her children's daycare center. “They don’t want to drive me away,” the owner insists and suggests a joint meeting.
However, the conditions leave a lot to be desired. The repair of the house is in jeopardy; There is a lack of basic measures to improve the condition of the property. Anneke reports a dangerous stairwell with loose railings, damp basements and constant heating problems. It is clear that such grievances cannot simply be ignored.
The city of Hamburg has not yet asserted a right of first refusal for the property as there is no evidence of speculative buyer structures. But what happens next is anyone's guess. The building application for the new balconies was rejected, while the roof extension was approved subject to conditions. Tenants should be aware that they should seek timely legal advice and be aware of their rights in such situations in order to avoid such conflicts.
The situation on Nernstweg shows that not only has a house been sold here, but the future of many residents is at risk. Will the community succeed in working together to advocate for its concerns, or will gentrification one day drive them away? In any case, things remain exciting on the Nernstweg.