Why tenants choose to move out in connection with renovation
One in three tenants who moved out of a municipal rental apartment in Gothenburg in connection with renovation said the renovation was a main reason for their decision, and many of them moved out even before construction began. A new study from Chalmers University of Technology shows that concerns about disruption, uncertainty and unclear information can be just as important as rent increases.
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that concerns surrounding renovation projects can be as significant as rent hikes in prompting tenants to move out of municipal rental apartments in Gothenburg. According to the research published in the journal Energy Research & Social Science, one in three tenants who left rental homes during renovation cited the renovation as the primary reason for their departure.
Notably, many of these individuals chose to vacate their apartments even before the construction began. The study, which examined 42 renovation projects managed by Gothenburg's three municipal housing companies, interviewed 450 tenants who had moved out between 2018 and 2021. Of these, 141 stated that the renovation itself was the main reason for their move.
Over 60% of these tenants decided to leave prior to the commencement of the renovation work. Professor Paula Femenias, lead author of the study and a professor at Chalmers University's Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, emphasizes that concerns about disruption, uncertainty, and unclear information can be as critical as rent increases.
Factors like noise, disruption, reduced functionality, unclear timelines, and inadequate communication were frequently mentioned as reasons for tenant relocation. The researchers suggest that improving communication and minimizing disruption during renovations could enhance housing stability and contribute to socially sustainable refurbishment practices.
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