Flanders tightens rules for social housing tenants from 2028

From January 2028, unemployed social housing tenants and people on social housing waiting lists in Flanders will have to take part in job guidance programmes through the VDAB, the regional employment service.

Those who refuse to join after repeated warnings will face higher rent payments. The increase will usually be between €50 and €70 per month, depending on income, although it could reach €150 in rare cases. Tenants who later join the programme and take part for six months will see their rent reduced again.

The Flemish government says the measure is intended to help more people find work. Social housing tenants will also receive priority for homes in the municipality where they work, rather than only where they live.

The government is also introducing stricter language requirements. Social housing tenants will need to prove spoken Dutch at B1 level, up from the current A2 requirement. Affordable language courses will be made available.

In addition, housing companies will be required to provide better reports on their efforts to tackle address fraud.

The measures have been criticised by the Flemish Tenants’ Platform. The organisation argues that people often need stable housing first before they can focus on finding work or improving their language skills.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Social housing in Ghent © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}