The eviction of Jacqueline, 92, and Tekla, 66, from their flats in Merl has become a symbol of the housing struggles plaguing Luxembourg, where skyrocketing rental prices and weak tenant protections leave many feeling powerless against landlords.
Following the eviction of elderly residents from a building in Merl, our colleagues from RTL Infos spoke to residents living in the capital about the growing challenges they face. Soaring rents, short notice periods for lease terminations, and a perceived lack of legal protection are causing widespread frustration and concern.
Recently, our colleagues highlighted the plight of Jacqueline, 92, and Tekla, 66, who are being forced to leave their homes in Merl after their landlord terminated their leases to renovate the building. Jacqueline had lived in her flat for nearly 50 years, while Tekla had been there for six. Their story sparked strong reactions on social media and prompted the Left Party (Déi Lénk) to issue a press release condemning the precarious situation of tenants in Luxembourg.
On Friday, our colleagues took to the streets to gauge public opinion on the issue, which continues to stir debate across the country.
Housing in Luxembourg: "A disaster"
When asked about the case of Jacqueline and Tekla, one woman described the housing situation in Luxembourg as "a disaster." She shared her own experience of being evicted twice in one year after her landlord sold her flat, adding that finding affordable housing has become a significant struggle. While finding housing in Luxembourg City might still be relatively easy for couples, she noted that singles face far greater challenges, particularly in neighbourhoods like Limpertsberg, Belair, and Bonnevoie. "You can't ask €2,000 for a 50 m² flat," she criticised.
Another interviewee revealed that he and his family had moved across the border to Germany due to the high cost of housing in Luxembourg. He explained that remaining in Luxembourg would have meant spending three-fourths of their income solely on housing.
Another man shared that he finds himself in a similar situation to Jacqueline and Tekla. He revealed that his landlord "wants to get rid of everyone" but has not acted so far due to the winter season. To protect his rights, he has hired a lawyer in hopes of being able to "stay as long as possible." He criticised the three-month notice period Tekla received, calling it "nothing at all" and "not long enough to find anything suitable."
Another interviewee highlighted the challenges faced by the Portuguese community in Luxembourg. He explained that some individuals arriving from Portugal have been misled with "false promises" about housing, only to end up homeless. For these individuals, finding accommodation in Luxembourg or returning to Portugal has proven extremely difficult.
When asked whether landlords have too much power, at least two respondents agreed, while others urged politicians to take action to strengthen tenants' rights and address the housing crisis.
Full video report by RTL Infos (in French)
Jacqueline and Tekla express gratitude for overwhelming support
Following the initial report, our colleagues reached out to Jacqueline and Tekla for an update. Tekla, whose eviction was initially scheduled for 31 January, shared that she has decided to contest the eviction and has not vacated her flat as required. "I have received legal advice from a lawyer. I have to pay my rent for February and continue to look for a flat," she explained. She justified her decision by stating that the three-month notice period was "far too short." In contrast, Jacqueline has until May to leave her home.
Tekla also expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of solidarity she has received. "A lot of people have given me their support, it's quite incredible," she said, acknowledging the widespread attention their story has garnered.
Jacqueline, like Tekla, expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received. "I'm very moved and want to thank everyone so much. I've received so much encouragement and support," she said. However, she admitted to being anxious about the prospect of eviction, particularly if Tekla leaves. "I'm starting to get really scared. If Tekla leaves, I'm going to find myself all alone in this big building," she shared.
Jacqueline continues her search for alternative housing, stating, "I've agreed to take a smaller flat. I'm still looking." The 92-year-old is also considering retirement homes but noted the high costs involved. "I've seen prices as high as €3,800 a month for a 54 m² flat. I have to look for something more affordable," she explained.
As a reminder, the property management agent responsible for the building sent a letter to our colleagues, citing "serious and legitimate grounds" as justification for the lease terminations. The letter cited "renovation work on such a scale that it becomes impossible to live in the building during the work." The agent also highlighted that the rents paid by Jacqueline and Tekla – approximately €1,000 for nearly 140 m² – were significantly below market rates for Luxembourg City.
Read also: Eviction of tenants in Luxembourg: Jacqueline, 92, forced to move: 'It's the worst shock of my life'
Left Party calls for action on tenant evictions
In a press release issued this week, the Luxembourg City chapter of the Left Party (déi Lénk) condemned the rising number of tenant evictions in Luxembourg. The party referenced a parliamentary question revealing that an average of 15.5 evictions per month occurred between April 2023 and September 2024.
The press release specifically addressed evictions for renovation purposes, stating, "Against a backdrop of property and land speculation, old buildings are often replaced by new or renovated constructions, which are sold at a premium. The rents for these properties generally exceed the means of the former tenants." The party also highlighted the growing risk of poverty, which now affects more than one in five residents, and noted that average rents exceed 50% of the gross minimum wage. "We have to put an end to this," the press release concluded.
The Left Party has once again highlighted the "alarming situation regarding affordable housing" in the capital and across the country, emphasising the lack of protection for tenants during demolitions and major renovations.
In response to the crisis, the party is urging the municipality of Luxembourg City to significantly boost its construction of social rental housing, making it accessible to individuals and families with modest incomes. The opposition party points out that the current share of social housing – representing just 2.5% of the national housing stock – is far too low to counteract the rapid increase in rental prices. While acknowledging the municipality's efforts to expand its social housing offerings, the Left Party argues that these initiatives fall short of addressing the actual needs of the population.
At the national level, the party is advocating for policy changes, including the reintroduction of a winter moratorium to shield tenants from evictions during colder months. Additionally, they are calling for broader protections against eviction for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, sick individuals, and low-income families.
