Wanted: inspectors who inspect quality rental properties

New adult education courses will be introduced from September and from 2025, all home inspectors must be able to provide recognition. In Bruges, a home inspection is even mandatory for all rental properties older than twenty years.

Stijn Spegelare has been checking a home for 10 years. Today he took Flemish minister of housing Diependaele in tow for the inspection of a mansion along the Augustijnenrei in Bruges. “There should be one smoke detector on each floor. We also have to look at the CO hazard, electrocution hazard, the stairs, the parapet on windows. The lack of double glazing is also common.”

From 2025, Flanders only wants accredited home inspectors. That is why there will be specific courses in adult education from September, including at CVO Miras. Flemish Minister of Housing Matthias Diependaele: “This mainly indicates that we will focus more and more on housing quality in the future: safety, people’s health and a minimum of comfort. This ranges from electricity to moisture problems. Railings on the stairs and windows. Also stability and the like.”

Gas fines

The city of Bruges itself invests 1.4 million euros in the training and employment of five of its own home inspectors. Since the beginning of last year, a certificate of conformity has been mandatory for older rental properties. Alderman of Housing Franky Demon: “We have 16,000 rental homes. Every home older than 20 years must have a certificate of conformity. If you know that only one in three is immediately in order during the inspection, then you know that it is really necessary to take measures. to achieve comfortable and healthy homes.”

Landlords who ignore the inspection risk a GAS fine in Bruges.