Housing company Akelius has previously been one of Europe’s largest listed housing companies. They have carried out so-called concept renovations, which means that the company has bought houses and renovated apartments when a tenant has moved out. After the renovation, they have since been able to raise the rents significantly.
This has previously received criticism, including from Leilani Farha, the UN’s special rapporteur for the right to housing. She has accused the housing company of violating human rights and the right to have a home.
In Germany, tenants have also criticized the renovations and the increased rents. Large demonstrations against Akelius and other housing companies have taken place in recent years.
Responds to criticism
Akelius’ current CEO has previously responded to the criticism. In an email to Göteborgs-Posten in 2020, he writes: “Akelius’ policy is to renovate apartments when they become vacant. We never impose a higher standard on the tenant. The company’s policy is to never force anyone from their home.”
In SVT’s “My truth”, the company’s founder Roger Akelius defends the renovations:
– It is not my business to plan the social. No, every company should do what their customers like and want to be able to have for something.
The company has sold the majority of its properties in Scandinavia and Berlin, but Roger Akelius believes that it was not because of the protests from tenants, but for financial reasons.
Watch My Truth on SVT Playor in SVT2 at 20.00 on Sunday 19/2.