Last year, the maximum term of 7 years for contracts under the Vacancy Act was reached in the Busseltje. Without any concrete plans being announced for renovation or demolition, for example. As of February 28, Wooninc. wanted to exchange the residents for another group of residents without rights via HOD Antikraakbureau, to prevent the current residents from building up tenancy rights. However, the residents had nowhere to go due to the severe lack of housing in Reusel.

Residents held several action meetings, set up the action committee Busseltje moet Blijven! and made together with the BPW a planThey spoke at the municipality, made themselves heard in the media, and carried out action at the office from Wooninc. The action was widely supported. 

Housing battle pays off!

Residents are now offered a permanent rental contract. Housing battle with BPW pays off! With this permanent contract, residents can continue to live there after March 1, 2025 and not simply lose their right to a home. They will therefore have the same rights as permanent tenants. In the event of future renovation or demolition/new construction, residents will be offered alternative housing and in many cases a moving costs allowance.

Gerdie (77): “It feels like I can get a little more air, it feels like I can breathe better.”

Joke (73+): “I am really happy. I didn’t think it would work. Finally, perspective again!”

Madelon (24): “I was very worried about becoming homeless. The housing insecurity has had a huge impact on me over the past year. But this is a beautiful feeling, together we fought for the same goal, for each other, for a future with stability” 

It is possible!

BPW: “By fighting together, a close-knit community remains, people have less stress such as physical and mental complaints due to housing insecurity and they get a future perspective again. We have shown that if people organize themselves together, make a plan and execute it, we can claim housing security. Residents who felt treated like scrap metal claim justice. Let no one ever tell us again that evictions and homelessness are just part of life.”

We want to thank everyone for their solidarity. Together we claim our right to housing. Now and in the future. Do you also want to become part of our growing movement?