Deurne (24brussels) – The City of Antwerp has imposed fines on the landlord of the Bisschoppenhoflaan Deurne apartment building due to ongoing safety violations. Residents are grappling with severe issues, including mould, lack of heating, and significant fire and electrical hazards. The landlord must complete repairs by October 15, 2025.
According to VRT News, the apartment building in Deurne, part of the Antwerp municipality in Belgium, is currently under investigation by city authorities. The landlord has repeatedly been alerted to defects that pose immediate health and safety risks to both tenants and surrounding community members.
Despite these notifications, the landlord continued to rent apartments and sign leases. Inspectors have reported critical defects, including mould, damp walls, and the absence of heating. Additional dangers include risks of fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and electrocution.
What actions is Antwerp taking against the Deurne landlord over unsafe apartments?
In response, the City of Antwerp will impose penalty payments on the owner of the Bisschoppenhoflaan apartment building. City officials stated that this action comes after a long history of negligence.
“The factual history shows that the owner has systematically ignored previous reminders and enforcement measures,” the city noted.
The landlord is now mandated to rectify the issues and ensure the building meets safe standards by the October 2025 deadline. According to city officials, this measure aims to eliminate inhumane living conditions, protect tenants, and ensure community safety.
The issues at the Bisschoppenhoflaan building have persisted for several years. City authorities initially warned the landlord in 2022 after residents reported mould, damp walls, and heating failures.
Follow-up inspections in 2023 found deteriorating conditions and numerous safety risks, including faulty electrical wiring and fire hazards. Despite multiple reminders and enforcement actions, the landlord continued to lease the apartments.
