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A new tenants union is created in Charleroi

At this stage, Carolocataires ensemble is recruiting. Objective: to mobilize as many people as possible to establish a balance of power, the basis of the union movement. “We therefore go to meet tenants door to door or in public spaces.” Recruitment is currently taking place in the urban center where the state of housing is pitiful. Isabelle, who lives in a dilapidated apartment exposed to humidity, embarked on the adventure. “The walls of my two children’s rooms are covered in fungus, no matter how much I clean them, it comes back”she testifies. “It’s not a question of maintenance or ventilation of the accommodation because the neighbors are experiencing the same situation. The building is unsuitable. Bordering on unsanitary. We want to force the owner to bring it up to standard.” A first victory was achieved: “We ordered him to replace the water heater which was no longer working. And under threat of action, he did so.”

According to Arnaud Bilande, justice – however social and good it may be – does not have the capacity to resolve all disputes. In any case within a reasonable time frame because urgency is often required. We need other means of pressure, of constraint.” Formed as a de facto association, the union will be a laboratory. Carol tenants together have set up at the headquarters of the DAL (Right to Housing) in the city center. “We are inspired by the French experience which is beginning to bear fruit. Landlords are not the only target. The objective is also to make elected officials aware of the reality of the rental market. And there are glaring needs.”

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