Renovation-related tenant departures have emerged as a notable phenomenon in a recent study by Chalmers University of Technology. The research examined moves from municipal rental apartments in Gothenburg linked to renovation projects and found that roughly one in three tenants who left said the renovation itself was a main reason for moving. The study also reports that a substantial share of these tenants relocated before any physical construction work began.
The research highlights that factors besides higher rents played a decisive role in tenants’ decisions. Concern about disruption during works, anxiety about future uncertainty and perceptions of unclear or insufficient information from landlords were identified as being as influential as potential rent increases. These non-financial considerations appear to prompt some residents to avoid anticipated disturbance or instability associated with refurbishment programmes.
The findings carry implications for municipal housing providers and policymakers managing large-scale upgrades. If renovations drive a sizeable number of households to leave—including prior to works starting—this can alter tenant turnover rates, affect community continuity and complicate efforts to carry out sustainable housing improvements. The study suggests that how renovation processes are communicated and scheduled may affect tenants’ willingness to stay.
While the research focuses on municipal flats in Gothenburg, its observations are relevant to other cities planning extensive refurbishment of social housing. By placing tenant experience alongside economic factors in planning, housing authorities and contractors may better anticipate relocation pressures. The study underlines the importance of clearer information, predictable timelines and measures to limit disruption so that upgrade programmes meet both technical aims and social objectives.
