Ghent Cracks Down on Students Illegally Sharing Housing
From 1 January 2026, the city of Ghent will introduce targeted checks on students suspected of illegally sharing accommodation.
Students are only allowed to rent an apartment or family home if they are also registered as living there, which is often not the case.
- The city will write to owners of properties where no domicile has been registered.
- If students are found to be living there, they will have to leave.
- The city will urge the owner to let the property to a family.
A study from 2023 showed that by 2040, the city could count 20,000 additional households, highlighting the need for extra housing for families.
Ghent is in need of extra housing for families.
The city council is considering options, including converting large student-occupied homes into family housing, as registration is mandatory in flats or houses, but not in student accommodation.
Author's summary: Ghent introduces checks on students sharing housing illegally.