Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Flemish government plans to tighten language requirements for social housing tenants. Flemish housing minister Melissa Depraetere confirmed the policy change in response to a parliamentary question, Belga News reported.
Starting January 1st, tenants who have acquired a social housing unit since 1 January 2023 must acquire an A2 level in Dutch. Earlier, tenants who resided before that date were only needed to achieve the A1 level. Meanwhile, from 2027 onwards, their provision will be raised to B1. Minister Depraetere has confirmed that tenants will be given adequate time to fulfil the new standard.
How will exemptions work for Dutch language requirements?
Flemish Housing Minister Melissa Depraetere noted that there are also exemptions. People with a medical certificate saying they have severe illness or disabilities may not be required to meet the requirement.
Moreover, tenants may seek extensions for professional or personal reasons. The government has argued that fluency in Dutch is important to social cohesion and to allow residents to communicate effectively within their communities. Minister Depraetere further stated that although learning the language is not a condition of admittance into social housing, it does constitute a condition once the tenants settle.
How will routine inspections ensure Dutch language adherence?
To implement the language requirements, routine inspections are scheduled. At first, housing associations will be liable for affirming compliance. Matters of non-compliance will then be handed over to the Flemish government’s Inspection Department for further measure.
