The Flemish government is introducing new rules for people renting social housing. Starting 1 January 2025 tenants who are in work will be prioritised. Unemployed tenants will receive guidance and rent contracts will no longer apply for life.
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New changes to the social housing system to encourage tenants to find a job
Colin Clapson
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Flemish housing minister Matthias Diependaele (nationalist/N-VA) says there was something wrong with a system that encouraged non-active people not to look for work and discouraged people in work.
Starting this year unemployed tenants have been obliged to register with the employment service. Starting next year prospective social housing tenants need to show they can’t afford properties on the regular market.
Starting 2025 people in work will be given priority for properties in the municipality where they are working. Tenants in work will receive compensation when rents rise.
Minister Diependaele says the changes will ensure people who need social housing the most will get the best opportunities.
Research shows that only 55% of social tenants who qualify for a job are in work. Rents are fixed on the basis of income. Consequently, rents are lower if you are unemployed. Find a job and the rent rises and you could lose your social housing altogether. Minister Diependaele concludes that the current system doesn’t encourage people to find a job.