Voters in the Canton of Bern have approved a significant initiative aimed at increasing transparency in rental prices. The 'For fair and affordable rents thanks to transparent previous rent' initiative passed with 51.2 percent of the vote. This decision introduces a mandatory form for landlords to disclose previous rental costs when re-renting properties, particularly in areas with low vacancy rates. The outcome marks a notable victory for the Tenants' Association, which championed the proposal.
Key Takeaways
- Bern voters approved the 'Miet-Initiative' with 51.2% support.
- The initiative mandates landlords to disclose previous rent prices when re-renting.
- This rule applies in areas with a vacancy rate of 1.5% or lower.
- Cities like Bern and Biel were crucial in the initiative's passage.
- Supporters believe it will help curb rising rental costs.
Voters Endorse Rent Transparency
The Canton of Bern has taken a decisive step to address rising rental costs. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, citizens voted to approve the 'Miet-Initiative.' The final count showed 176,972 'Yes' votes against 168,723 'No' votes. This translates to a 51.2 percent approval rate. The voter turnout for this important issue was 46.6 percent.
The initiative's success is a clear win for the Tenants' Association. They argued that greater transparency regarding previous rents would help stabilize the housing market. High rental prices have been a growing concern for residents across the canton, especially in urban centers.
"Tenants are under severe pressure, not only in the cities. Now we finally have a new tool to fight the rent spiral," said Sabina Meier, CEO of the Tenants' Association. Her statement highlights the urgency felt by many residents facing increasing housing expenses.
Voting Breakdown
- Yes Votes: 176,972 (51.2%)
- No Votes: 168,723 (48.8%)
- Voter Turnout: 46.6%
Impact of Urban Centers on the Vote
The cities of Bern and Biel played a critical role in the initiative's approval. These urban areas strongly supported the measure. Bern voted 'Yes' with a three-quarters majority. Biel also showed strong support, with nearly 70 percent of its voters approving the initiative. This urban backing was enough to overcome opposition from many rural administrative districts.
Seven out of ten administrative districts initially rejected the proposal. However, the high approval rates in the more populated cities, along with support from the Bernese Jura region, swayed the overall result. This demonstrates the significant influence of urban populations on cantonal policy decisions related to housing.
Context of Rising Rents
Rental prices have been steadily climbing in many parts of Switzerland. This trend puts a financial strain on many households. The 'Miet-Initiative' aims to provide tenants with more information. This information can help them challenge potentially abusive rent increases, especially when moving into a new apartment.
New Form Requirement for Landlords
The core of the approved initiative is a new obligation for landlords. When a new tenant moves into a property, landlords must disclose the previous rent. This disclosure must be made using an official form. The goal is to prevent landlords from simply raising rents between tenants without justification.
This form requirement only applies when the vacancy rate in the Canton of Bern is particularly low. Specifically, it comes into effect when the vacancy rate is 1.5 percent or lower. This condition ensures the measure targets areas with genuine housing shortages, where tenants may have less bargaining power.
The Bernese government and the majority in parliament had opposed the initiative. They argued it would increase bureaucracy. However, the public vote indicates a strong desire for action against rising housing costs.
"The voting result shows that the population is concerned about rising rents and demands measures," stated Evi Allemann, the Social Democratic Councilor responsible for housing. This highlights a disconnect between some political leaders and public sentiment on housing issues.
Opposing Views on Effectiveness
Not everyone agrees on the initiative's effectiveness. Patrick Freudiger from the Homeowners' Association (HEV) called the 'Miet-Initiative' pure symbolic politics. He believes that the only true solution to rising rents is to build more housing units.
Freudiger also expressed concerns about increased bureaucracy for landlords. He argues that the new form requirement will add administrative burden without solving the fundamental problem of housing supply. This perspective emphasizes the importance of increasing housing stock to meet demand.
Comparison with Other Cantons
The Canton of Bern is not the first to implement such a measure. Several other Swiss cantons already have a similar form requirement in place. These include:
- Basel-Stadt
- Fribourg
- Geneva
- Lucerne
- Zug
- Zurich
In Neuchâtel and Vaud, the form requirement applies only to specific parts of the canton. Wallis has the legal basis for such a rule, but it is not currently active. This shows that Bern is joining a growing number of cantons that are taking steps to address rental market transparency.
Future Outlook for Bern's Rental Market
The approval of the 'Miet-Initiative' signals a shift in Bern's housing policy. It empowers tenants with more information. This could lead to a more balanced rental market. The measure aims to prevent large, unjustified rent increases when properties change hands.
In the city of Bern, the housing shortage is particularly acute, with a vacancy rate of 0.44 percent. This low rate underscores the pressure on urban renters. The strong 'Yes' vote from urban residents reflects their urgent need for relief from soaring rental costs.
While the initiative is a victory for tenants, its long-term impact on moderating rent increases remains a subject of debate. Supporters hope it will create a fairer environment. Opponents believe it will not solve the underlying issue of housing scarcity. The canton will now implement the new regulations, and their effects will be closely monitored.