Flemish Minister for Housing Liesbeth Homans (N-VA) gave yesterday her policy on citizens who want to qualify for social housing. She reiterated that the public housing tenants need to know a bit of Dutch if not perfectly so the government can communicate with them or will be able to read and understand city rules like when to put the garbage out, tax dues, penalties and other common regulations.

In the future, prospective tenants of social housing must be able to demonstrate that they speak Dutch. At this point they should just show a willingness to learn Dutch in order to be eligible for social housing.

The Minister stressed that no one will be denied access to social housing but applicants need to comply strictly to government policies.