from Abel Heijkamp
7 Dutch people of the 2 largest anti-squat agencies Camelot property management and Ad Hoc property management are followed to investigate what are the consequences of not having renters rights.
Who are using the services of anti-squat agencies? and how do politicians, housing experts, lawyers and others involved judge this rising phenomenon.
Temporary tenants/guardians, who are often unable to find a home on the housing market, are placed in empty buildings to prevent squatting and disrepair. By becoming guardians, tenants find themselves in a position where they have almost no rights. For instance, the special type of ‘’licence agreement’’ stipulated can be ended without any reason at two weeks notice, the domestic peace is not respected,
people may not throw parties and may not talk to the press without prior permission. More than 30 rules violate the European Convention of Human Rights.
The documentary makes visible this hidden reality and tries to stir up the debate around what are better ways of dealing with empty properties.
In The Netherlands the documentary has stirred a big public debate in parliament and in the media.
Anti-squat agencies are rapidly spreading in Europe and are already active in The Netherlands, England, Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland.
