GHENT – Prosecutors in East Flanders have initiated an investigation into the Augustinian monks in Ghent, following allegations of renting out substandard living quarters that do not meet local housing regulations.

The inquiry comes as the city had previously classified sections of the monastery complex as unusable due to inadequate living conditions.

The Augustinian Fathers' monastery, situated in a historic area of Ghent at Lievekaai and Academiestraat, has seen sections renovated for events while concerns rise regarding 32 small rooms purportedly being leased.

Tenant attorney David Dendoncker highlighted serious safety issues, mentioning the absence of essential amenities such as running water, sanitation, and kitchen facilities, as well as critical safety equipment like smoke detectors.

Tenants have reported poor ventilation and mold issues within the rooms.

Since August of the previous year, the public prosecutor's office has been investigating alleged slum landlord practices within Ghent's housing market.

Mayor Mathias De Clercq of the Voor Gent party confirmed the city's stance on the housing status, stating, "the rooms were for monks; they are now rented out on the private market.

The rooms do not comply with the rules."

Reports indicate that living conditions in the monastery are far from suitable, with some tenants describing a hostile atmosphere, as noted by Dendoncker.

He stated that the affected individuals, many of whom are in vulnerable positions, feel trapped in their current situation, with rents reaching approximately 700 euros per month.

Evidence has emerged that 27 individuals continue to reside in these questionable accommodations.

In 2019, the Augustinian priests had previously faced legal consequences for illegal labor practices and breaches of social welfare laws, although they maintained that the Asian and African residents engaged in unpaid work in the capacity of aspirant priests.

In response to the ongoing inquiry, the Belgian Augustinians acknowledged the city's classification of their residences as uninhabitable.

Fernand Keuleneer, representing the Augustinians, indicated that an appeal against this decision had been lodged with the regional government of Flanders, but it was rejected.

Keuleneer noted that while the Augustinians are willing to address the identified deficiencies, disagreements with city officials concerning requirements for living conditions, such as the adequacy of single versus double glazing, hinder progress.

These contentious issues complicate potential solutions.

Interestingly, despite the ongoing housing ban, the city has reportedly contacted the Augustinian monks regarding available rooms for vulnerable individuals, raising questions about the management of their properties amid the current allegations.

Permitting the use of the monastery as living quarters was sanctioned by the city in 2016. However, regulatory changes since then have diminished the viability of such arrangements, according to Keuleneer, who defended the practices against claims of a "reign of terror" within the residence, labeling such assertions as defamatory.

Historically, religious orders like the Augustinian monks have held significant real estate, including monasteries and surrounding lands, often accumulated through donations and bequests.

As these communities have dwindled, some orders have opted to lease properties to generate revenue.

However, the maintenance of these ancient buildings can prove challenging without adequate resources, inadvertently creating conditions that contribute to degradation and poor living environments.

The current inquiry highlights broader issues concerning housing standards and the responsibilities of landlords, particularly those who control historical properties in urban areas.