Wohnungspolitik#

Housing Policy: No real housing policy existed in Austria during the liberal era in the second half of the 19th century; although the lack of housing was one of the most discussed issues. A Rent Control ("Mieterschutzverordnung") was passed for the protection of families of soldiers who had entered the forces in 1917 ( Landlord and Tenant Law), which was taken over by the Republic in 1922. While rents were kept at a low level under this law, private housing construction came to a standstill during the First Republic. This created a need for public housing construction, especially in Vienna. From 1938, National Socialist housing policy consisted of expropriating Jewish premises in order to alleviate the shortage of housing; it also focused on the construction of housing for the workers of newly founded or enlarged industrial enterprises (especially in Linz). Housing policy in the Second Republic continued to implement rent control (lately only for long-term contracts, which were concluded decades ago), regulated rents by means of creating standard prices and promoted through public allowances the construction of freehold- and cooperative apartments, apartments subsidized by municipalities and owner-occupied houses ( Housing Market).On account of its favourable effect on housing quality, town centre rehabilitation is also considered an important part of housing policy.

Literature#