Twist in the affair of the emblematic “Sugus” buildings in Kreis 5 of Zurich. We remember that at the beginning of December, almost a third of the tenants (105) had their lease terminated for the end of March in view of the complete renovation of the accommodation. Today, they have just received a new letter from the owner to tell them that the collective eviction was maintained, but that the deadline was pushed back to the end of September 2025.
Built in the 1990s, the “Sugus” buildings, which owe their name to their resemblance to the famous candies, were originally intended to provide affordable housing for people on low incomes. They have even become a symbol of community life in Zurich. But these houses were bought in November by a new owner, Regina Bachmann, after the arrest of the previous manager.
In her missive, the new owner explains that the date of the first termination was the result of deception by this manager, but that she still intends to renovate the accommodation, according to a tenant concerned. “She also cites Lex Koller, which no one understands,” she criticizes.
As a result, there is enormous confusion and uncertainty within the displaced community. This letter comes “at a time when family celebrations should be at the forefront. The lack of heart with which she transmits her messages is edifying,” notes the bitter tenant.
“We feel completely at the mercy of this person’s actions,” she adds. “We will nevertheless continue to try to have a personal interview with Regina Bachmann and we want to visit her in January with the signatures of the petition that we have collected.”
In fact, the people concerned demonstrated and launched a petition for the owner to abandon her plans. Projects motivated according to them by the lure of gain. They suspect that the owner mainly wants to renovate the apartments to massively increase the rents. A common process in Zurich, according to the Swiss Tenants Association (ASLOCA).
