Research Methodology

This chapter describes the multi-methodological approach used to address the complex issue of legal barriers in the decarbonisation of dwellings occupied by low-income households. It emphasises the need for diverse methodologies due to the complexity of the subject, involving comparative law, legal interpretation, and economic analysis. The study focuses on the European legal framework, particularly in Germany and Sweden, examining how it impacts legal systems and the landlord-tenant dilemma in energy efficiency. Legal interpretation in the German context plays a crucial role, employing methods like grammatical, historical, systematic, and teleological analysis to understand the nuances of laws related to rental housing. Comparative law analysis is central, comparing German and Swedish legal frameworks and their approaches to climate financing and the landlord-tenant relationship. The research follows established classifications in comparative law, applying functionality principles to highlight similarities across different legal systems. Economic analysis is integrated to evaluate decisions in energy efficiency improvements, using the homo oeconomicus model and considering market dynamics and information imbalances. The study aims to identify legal barriers and suggest amendments for energy transition in housing, with implications beyond the two countries studied. The thesis acknowledges limitations in evaluation, linguistic challenges, and the dynamic nature of the topic, aiming to propose viable solutions for energy-efficient housing in low-income sectors within the legal framework of the European Union.