Non-profit organisation 'Life' acts as an intermediary between landlords and tenants, which allows the latter to live in shared apartments at affordable prices ranging between €300 and €600 a month.
"The non-profit takes over management of the flat and looks for new tenants if one moves out. The landlord can rest assured to receive their rent every month", explained Nico Theisen in conversation with RTL.
Although rent is lower than market price, 50% of profits can be deducted from taxes if a flat is used as a social property.
Around 210 tenants are by now living across 40 apartments rented out by Life. Regulations for the homes vary, some are used by youths aged 18 to 27, others by refugees, and others by single parents.
According to Nathalie Reuland, the non-profit's waiting list already counts another 450 to 500 people.
With help from a government subsidy, Life acquired its first own property three years ago. The house in question is located in Soleuvre and currently undergoing renovations.
Spokesperson Gary Diderich elaborated that six to seven young people will be able to move in by April 2023. Three more houses are expected to be bought for similar purposes in the near future.
Life officials hope that the government will increase its support of the initiative by awarding subsidies worth €2,500 per flat to municipalities.
This would allow the non-profit to hire an additional person to help manage properties, emphasised Diderich, who also noted that some towns actively work against shared living opportunities on their territory.
