Hart van Brabant housing inspections reveal migrant worker violations

A large-scale inspection of labor migrant housing in the Hart van Brabant region of the Netherlands has uncovered numerous violations. Between September 21 and 25, the Bestuurlijk Interventieteam (BIT) Hart van Brabant inspected 107 locations across eight municipalities, including Waalwijk and Loon op Zand.

Inspectors identified significant fire safety risks in 20 properties, noting missing smoke detectors, inadequate fire extinguishers, faulty heating systems, and hazardous plastic wall or ceiling coverings. Other findings included instances of overcrowding, illegal room rentals, and unauthorized property subdivisions. In one case, individuals were found living illegally in a warehouse. Some residences also exhibited mold, waste, and pollution.

Furthermore, investigators found that dozens of locations violated the Good Landlordship Act by linking housing rental agreements directly to employment contracts. Some landlords also imposed arbitrary house rules, such as charging residents fines of approximately 250 euros for minor actions like leaving a lamp on or failing to dispose of trash quickly. In certain homes, thermostats were locked in cabinets to prevent residents from controlling their own temperature.