The City of Antwerp is launching a renewed action plan to further tackle discrimination in the private rental market, combining awareness campaigns, training programmes and a new round of mystery shopping tests aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for prospective tenants.
Under the updated strategy, the city will expand information sessions, e-learning programmes and workshops designed to help landlords, tenants and estate agents guarantee equal treatment in the rental process. Antwerp will also commission a market research agency to conduct new practical tests of estate agencies. Agencies found to be engaging in discriminatory practices could ultimately be referred to the Professional Institute of Real Estate Agents or Beroepsinstituut van Vastgoedmakelaars (BIV) for disciplinary follow-up.
Previous rounds of testing found that the majority of estate agencies treat all rental applicants equally. Agencies where discrimination is identified during the new testing programme will first receive tailored advice and training from the city. However, agencies that continue to discriminate after repeated testing may face referral to the professional regulator.
Antwerp first introduced an action plan promoting equal opportunities in the rental market in 2022. Recent research commissioned by the city suggests that awareness campaigns and training initiatives have had a positive effect, but also indicates that a small number of estate agents continue to discriminate against prospective tenants.
The city said it would therefore continue to invest in equal access to rental housing through mystery shopping tests, training courses and support programmes aimed at estate agencies, landlords and tenants. Antwerp is working closely with the Professional Institute of Real Estate Agents, the Confederation of Real Estate Professions or Confederatie van Immobiliënberoepen (CIB) and the Flemish Human Rights Institute or Vlaams Mensenrechteninstituut (VMRI).
Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit), Antwerp’s alderman for equal opportunities, said the city intended to take a stronger stance against discrimination. “Having a fair chance when looking for a rental home should be self-evident for everyone,” she said.
“Antwerp is taking another step forward in the fight against discrimination. Awareness-raising remains crucial, but we are also launching targeted practical tests. Thanks to these tests, and in cooperation with the sector, tailored improvement programmes will be developed for individual estate agencies. Fortunately, most agencies already give every candidate an equal opportunity. However, offices that continue to discriminate will face the appropriate consequences. Let me be clear: discrimination is never acceptable.”
The renewed action plan also focuses on private landlords, who rent out around one-third of all rental properties without using an estate agent. The city aims to provide these landlords with more information about fair rental procedures, reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities and the support services available through municipal authorities.
“Every case of discrimination is one too many,” said Patrick Boterbergh, chairman of the BIV. “It is essential that every objectively suitable candidate has a genuine opportunity during the rental selection process. When a landlord asks an estate agent to reject a prospective tenant on discriminatory grounds, such as origin, gender or disability, the estate agent is placed in an unlawful situation. Discrimination violates both the law and the professional code of conduct governing estate agents, regardless of the wishes of the client. The BIV will therefore continue to inform, raise awareness among and guide its members towards further training.”
Antwerp will also continue and expand its collaboration with local colleges and universities. Students studying real estate will receive training during their studies on how to recognise and prevent discrimination.
In addition, the city plans to provide tenants with more information about their rights and where they can seek help. Municipal services and partner organisations working with vulnerable tenants will receive additional guidance on equal opportunities in the rental market and on how to report discrimination.
Information, advice and reporting mechanisms relating to equal opportunities in the rental market are available via the City of Antwerp’s rental discrimination information page.
