More than 180 state-owned housing units in the Testimonio II tower have already been allocated to Monaco
Rents and charges too expensive at Testimonio II? “Anticipated and excessive comments in relation to reality”
On Facebook, in a private group dedicated to the exchange of state apartments between Monegasques, several voices were raised against the supposed high rents and charges at Testimonio II. Asked about it in the parliamentary program Untra Nuithe President of the National Council Stéphane Valeri called “in moderation and reason” of all. “The prices of rents and charges are, of course, higher than in first-generation buildings, but the services are not the same, he explained. These rents remain, for example, significantly lower than rents for comparable apartments in neighboring French municipalities.
Basic rent: 9.30 euros
m² per month
“These comments were perhaps anticipated and excessive in relation to reality, reacts, meanwhile, Jean Castellini, government adviser-Minister of Finance and the Economy. Monegasques who have been visiting the apartments for a few weeks are well aware that there is no justification for these concerns and questions.”
And to draw arguments and figures: “The charges include the consumption of hot water, heating and cooling in addition to the usual expenses such as security and cleaning. To ensure that these charges do not become excessive, a certain amount remains payable by the State. Regarding rents, by way of comparison, the base rent for the Engelin and the Tour Odéon was €9.12 per m² per month, knowing that these buildings were not equipped with a kitchen. For Testimonio II, the base rent, value 2022, is €9.30 per m² per month. » That is 18 cents more, for more qualitative services. “Social networks also quickly echoed the satisfactions.”
“Ask everyone to be reasonable”
“I understand that modest households find these rents high, but I remind them that there is national housing assistance, continues Stéphane Valéri. The principle is very fair: you pay your rent in the Estates according to your means. Only 20% of income must be guaranteed for rent. If this is not the case, the State gives the difference. The charges remain. When you have national housing assistance, you also have 20% of your rent given to you as assistance for the charges. But not for others. When you have an income that allows you to spend 20% paying your rent and utilities, there is no reason why this minimum effort should not be required of all Monegasque families. We must not be demagoguery, we must speak the truth. You have to ask everyone to be reasonable.”