Antwerp fines Bisschoppenhoflaan Deurne landlord over safety

Sarhan Basem
Credit: Torsade de Pointes/Wikipedia

Deurne (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The City of Antwerp is fining the Bisschoppenhoflaan Deurne landlord for ongoing safety violations. Residents face mould, no heating, fire and electrical risks. Repairs must be done by October 15, 2025.

As VRT News reported, the apartment building on Bisschoppenhoflaan in Deurne, municipality of Antwerp, Belgium, is under investigation by city authorities. The landlord was frequently notified of defects posing an immediate threat to the health and safety of the tenants and adjacent members of the community.

Despite being contacted about these threats, the landlord continued to rent and sign leases. Inspectors noted serious defects, such as mould, damp walls, and there was no heating. There are also risks of fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrocution. 

What actions is Antwerp taking against the Deurne landlord over unsafe apartments?

The City of Antwerp will impose penalty payments on the owner of the apartment building on Bisschoppenhoflaan in Deurne. City officials said the decision follows a long record of negligence.

“The factual history shows that the owner has systematically ignored previous reminders and enforcement measures,”

the city stated. 

The landlord is now required to repair and bring the building up to safe standards by October 15, 2025. City officials said the measure has the purpose of ending inhumane living conditions and protecting tenants, while also keeping the community safe.

The problems at the Bisschoppenhoflaan building in Deurne have been ongoing for several years. City authorities first issued warnings to the landlord in 2022 after residents reported mould, damp walls, and heating failures. 

Additional inspections in 2023 revealed worsening conditions and multiple safety hazards, including faulty electrical wiring and fire risks. Despite repeated reminders and enforcement measures, the landlord continued renting out apartments. 

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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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