Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – East Flanders prosecutors are investigating Augustinian monks in Ghent over allegations of renting out uninhabitable rooms in breach of housing standards.
This is taking place in an area of the monastery complex that the city had previously deemed unusable. “This does not meet the standards,” a Terzake tenant’s attorney proclaims.
The Augustinian Fathers’ monastery structure in Ghent is located in a picturesque area in the city’s historic center, on the Lievekaai and the Academiestraat.
The complex has undergone some renovations. Parties and conferences can be held in a portion of the building.
It turns out that not everything is quiet behind the façade. There are 32 little rooms in one wing that are available for rent.
“There are serious safety flaws. Tenant attorney David Dendoncker adds, “There are certain things per room: a lack of running water, sanitation, a kitchen, or smoke detectors.”
“There is mold, they are poorly ventilated.”
An ongoing inquiry against slum landlords was launched by the public prosecutor’s office in August of last year. The rooms were previously deemed unfit by Ghent. It’s obvious, Mayor Mathias De Clercq (Voor Gent).
“That still applies today. The rooms were for monks, they are now rented out on the private market. The rooms do not comply with the rules.”
The living conditions as well as the rooms themselves would be far from ideal. According to Dendoncker, “the tenants speak of a reign of terror” “These individuals are under strain and are vulnerable. They are now unable to move.” The monthly prices would increase to around 700 euros.
The lawyer and the city claim that 27 people still reside there.
The priests were found guilty in 2019 of engaging in unlawful work and breaking social laws. According to the priests, the Asian and African males who lived there performed free labor since they were aspiring priests.
Through their attorney, the Belgian Augustinians respond to the ongoing probe. It is accurate to say that the city has deemed the houses uninhabitable. Fernand Keuleneer responds in writing,
“We appealed against that decision to Flanders, but that appeal was rejected.”
The lawyer claims that the residents have been asked to relocate.
“The Augustinians want to solve the ‘defects’. However, there are differences of opinion between the city and Flanders, for example about single or double glazing. That makes it almost impossible.”
The lawyer emphasizes that in that light it is special that the city still contacts to ask for free rooms for vulnerable people. “And that despite the housing ban.”
‘Living in the monastery’ was permitted by the city in 2016, but the regulations have since been altered, the lawyer claims.
Additionally, it is said that the tenants consented to the use of communal spaces like a kitchen or restroom. According to Keuleneer, there isn’t a reign of terror. He refers to the assertion as defamatory.
What are the historical ties between the Augustinian monks and slum landlordism?
Significant real estate, such as monasteries, churches, and surrounding lands, has historically been controlled by religious orders like the Augustinian monks. These properties were frequently accumulated over centuries through donations, bequests, or purchases. To make money, some of these homes have been rented out or used for other purposes.
As religious communities grew smaller or changed their priorities over time, several orders continued to possess urban assets and occasionally leased them to tenants. The upkeep of these ancient structures may deteriorate in the absence of proactive management or enough funding.
Buildings that are centuries old can be expensive and difficult to maintain. Religious organizations may unwittingly contribute to slum-like situations if they lack the resources or know-how to maintain rental houses effectively, which can result in degradation and poor living conditions.
