The building was also occupied by too many people. “The planning permission states that it is a building with two official dwellings but in reality it occupied seven households occupied by five single men and two couples. Our priority is to find rehousing solutions for victims who have lost their homes.”adds the mayor.
Concerning the tax for excess accommodation, the owner must pay an amount of 318.27 euros per month. An amount which is increased by 3% each year. “If he does not agree, he can contest. If the debtor does not pay, we can seize the goods and go as far as putting the house up for sale subject to a judgment,” adds Fabrice Cumps.
According to José Garcia, president of the tenants’ union, the responsibility lies with the lessor. “The owner does not have the right to rent such property. It does not surprise me that such a tragedy occurs in the Cureghem district known for the problem of poor housing, with homes that are often dilapidated and do not meet fire standards.”he castigates.
Fight against slumlords: Anderlecht unlocks an apartment to rehouse the victims
The problem of slumlords has already been raised on numerous occasions but despite formal notices and taxes, nothing changes. “One solution would, however, make it possible to avoid such tragedies. It is a regional rental permit issued on the basis of a visit to the premises in order to verify the good conformity of the property when it is empty, before putting it in place. on the market This would also avoid evictions of tenants. However, they must use common sense and hesitate to rent this type of property, but the housing crisis in Brussels is such that they have no choice. “, adds José Garcia.
The investigation in the hands of the Brussels public prosecutor’s office will have to answer a series of questions in order to understand how such a tragedy could not be avoided.
