Secret list: These old Viennese buildings are threatened with demolition!

Secret list: These old Viennese buildings are threatened with demolition!

There is a lot of excitement in Vienna when it comes to the demolition of old buildings. A dark chapter in urban planning is currently being reopened: How profile According to reports, the SPÖ's housing spokesman, Peter Prack, is planning measures to prevent old buildings from falling into disrepair. Isolated information about the city's demolished objects causes heated discussions. Prack has already submitted a parliamentary question to Vienna's Housing Councilor Kathrin Gaál to obtain the addresses of these so-called demolished houses.

The city administration's timid approach is not surprising: in 2022, Gaál answered a similar request, but later in 2023 refused to provide information, citing data protection. The city's argument is obvious: disclosure could lead to squatting and thus endanger public safety. A fateful incident from 2014, which ended with a massive police operation, serves as a warning example of the nervousness in town hall.

A court ruling sheds light on the matter

The Vienna Administrative Court has now decided that the population's right to information must be valued more highly than the interests of homeowners. This led to the city being forced to disclose the addresses after just one and a half years. Harmonics are high, and Prack plans to drive around these objects to check for any problems. It is already known that owners often deliberately allow old houses to fall into disrepair in order to reduce the high renovation costs and justify demolition.

An alarming example is the building at Radetzkystrasse 24-28. Demolition began here in 2018 while tenants were still living in the house. Prack warns of a trend that he describes as “escape from the tenancy law”. Housing expert Michael Klien adds that Vienna is lagging behind when it comes to demolishing houses compared to other federal states. In 2024, all six applications for economic demolition readiness were rejected, while previously eight permits were granted that were applied for before the stricter guidelines.

Tenant rights in focus

What role do the tense relationships between tenants and landlords play in this debate? Clear rules apply here: Tenants and landlords have different rights and obligations, which depend on the Tenancy Law (MRG). Rents in old buildings that were built before May 9, 1945 are usually subject to strict regulations - from protection against termination to rent restrictions, which is an important legal basis for many tenants. It is all the more explosive when tenants become uncertain due to foreseeable demolition plans.

Another important point: Tenants can contact advice centers to find out whether their tenancies are subject to the full application of the MRG. The Chamber of Labor offers with its Old building rent check a valuable support. This includes an examination of the rental agreements and makes it possible to reclaim rents that are too high. However, only members of the AK Vienna can take part in this program, which means additional hurdles for those affected.

Let's look further ahead: Prack has already announced that it will ask again whether the Centimeter House at Währinger Belt 1 is among the approved demolitions. The tense housing conditions in our city make it clear that the issue of demolition and tenants' rights will continue to be on the agenda. The future of the old buildings will depend on both the interests of the owners and the commitment of the tenants and we can look forward to seeing what measures the City of Vienna will take.