Rose (a pseudonym) was left homeless in August after the mayor of her town ordered her house closed following two explosive attacks. Mayors in the Netherlands have found it easier since last year to make such closure decisions, often leaving individuals without support.
In 2024, the number of explosive attacks on homes increased to 771, nearly a 30% rise from 2023, according to police reports. Up to mid-December, there were 1,234 explosive-related incidents, a new record, with Rotterdam leading with 232 incidents.
In December, Rotterdam Ombudsman Marianne van den Anker urged mayors to exercise more caution when closing homes after explosions. From January to August of the previous year, homes were closed 28 times.
Rose suspects the attacks are tied to a criminal conflict involving a family member. After a second attack, police began an investigation, seizing her phone and giving her 30 minutes to gather belongings.
Landlords can terminate leases without court review following a mayoral closure, a practice lawyer Angelique Bhagwandin frequently observes. She notes the challenges victims face when closures become permanent, leaving them homeless.
Rose experienced four total attacks on her home, and after the second, she had to find her own housing. Her rental costs continued despite the closure, and after moving in with her parents, their home also faced a mayoral closure.
With Bhagwandin’s help, Rose’s parents retained their home, while Rose found private housing after living with a friend for months. Bhagwandin assists clients in reversing closures, often facing lengthy legal battles.
She advocates for voluntary evacuation of residents post-explosion to prevent contractual termination. The communication among municipalities, housing corporations, and police is described as challenging by Bhagwandin.
A representative from Rotterdam’s mayor asserts that home closures aim to prevent recurrence and protect residents and neighbors. Housing corporations have suffered significant damages, with Rotterdam’s largest, Woonstad, facing nearly three million euros in losses last year.
Woonstad has established an explosive response team to assist victims.
Source: NOS