In a narrow decision on Sunday, Swiss voters rejected a proposal that would have granted landlords more powers to limit subletting by tenants, particularly through platforms like Airbnb. Preliminary results show that 51.6% of voters opposed the change, which had been passed by the Swiss parliament in 2023.
The Proposal and Its Controversy
The proposed change to the law was driven by concerns over the increasing number of tenants subletting their properties on Airbnb, reducing the availability of long-term rentals.
Advocates argued that the change would help ease pressure on the rental market by restricting short-term lets, which they believe are exacerbating housing shortages. However, opponents, including a major tenants’ association, argued that the majority of Airbnb rentals were actually arranged by landlords themselves, not tenants.
Kathrin Anselm, who oversees Airbnb operations in Switzerland, emphasized that Airbnb had no significant impact on the housing market. Despite the push for change, the Swiss electorate expressed reluctance to alter the status quo.
Other Referendum Results
In addition to the subletting proposal, voters also rejected a separate law that would have granted landlords more authority to terminate leases when they wished to use the property for other purposes. In a country where most households rent their homes, these tenancy laws have been the subject of intense debate.
Moreover, Swiss voters rejected plans to expand the country’s motorway network. Meanwhile, residents of Zurich voted against an initiative to remove gender-inclusive language from official city texts, following a contentious public discussion.
Why It Matters
The referendum results are a reflection of the ongoing debate in Switzerland over housing affordability and tenant rights. With many households living in rental properties, decisions on housing laws and subletting regulations directly affect the lives of a large portion of the population. The outcome of these votes will shape the future of Switzerland’s rental market and its response to the growing influence of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb.
Bottom Line
The rejection of the law to restrict subletting is a significant win for tenant rights in Switzerland, maintaining the status quo where short-term rentals are less regulated. This outcome underscores the tension between economic pressures, such as the need for affordable housing, and the desire for more flexibility in the rental market. With housing shortages continuing to be a concern, the debate on how to balance tenant protections with market dynamics is far from over.
