By Sabine Klier
After an arson in the basement, the residents of the 13-story high-rise in Gropiusstadt are living without water and without heating. And this has been going on for 105 days now. Only after the BZ denounced the grievances did the property management take action. They promised a 100 percent rent reduction. On Wednesday they distributed radiators.
The tenants felt abandoned by the property management company Vonovia/Deutsche Wohnen. Shower and toilet containers were placed in front of the house, but with the cooler autumn temperatures the mood also fell when the repairs had still not started. These were delayed because asbestos was released during the fire. This must first be disposed of properly. Nobody is allowed into the basement beforehand.
Gildina Amirov (75) is happy about the new radiator that the property management company Vonovia/Deutsche Wohnen issued: “Thank God! I couldn’t have afforded a heater. I thought I was going to get pneumonia because you were cold the whole time.” Photo: Olaf Selchow
Now the property management has promised: “After another inspection by a specialist electrical company, we will provide each apartment with an electric radiator for heating,” says Christoph Metzner, press spokesman for Deutsche Wohnen.
There was a fear in advance that the circuit would collapse if all devices connected to the power were operated. Therefore, only one radiator is allowed to heat each apartment. No additional personal devices. “This is the only way we can continue to guarantee the building’s electrical supply security,” says Metzner.
The high-rise building in Gropiusstadt has been without water or heating for 105 days Photo: Olaf Selchow
Deutsche Wohnen will reimburse the electricity costs for the radiators at a rate of 5 euros per day until the heating system is put into operation. They also offer a 100 percent rent reduction for the months of September and October. Metzner: “Further rent reductions will be adjusted to the progress of the renovation.”
Günter Zenner (88) lives on the 5th floor. On Wednesday he picked up a radiator. He is happy to finally have a warm apartment again: “Just yesterday I bought candles for 60 euros. Because in the evening I always turn on the stove and two candles in the living room so that it was bearable. It’s a consolation that things will get better soon. Thank you BZ for standing up for us.”