Neglect-X

Neglect-X

Our solution for vacant, neglected, and dilapidated homes…

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At Home in Vacancy Management

Welcome to the Neglect-X website

Vacant, neglected, and dilapidated (uninhabitable/unsuitable) homes… Which municipality or city does not have to deal with this? Not only do they make your town look less attractive, but the resulting economic and reputational damage is immeasurable.

Aarixa has developed an application that supports the inventory of homes and buildings that are vacant, neglected, dilapidated, unsuitable for habitation, or uninhabitable. It ensures that the procedures to combat them  become simpler. This ensures that processing and follow-up will be much  more accurate. Consequently, the owner will more quickly ensure that their home or (commercial) property is returned to good condition, resulting in a more pleasant streetscape and a nicer municipality to live in.

Our focus:

  • Clear and organized files
  • Can be used on PC, laptop, tablet, and smartphone
  • Dashboard, lists, and reports that support the follow-up of files
  • Secure Microsoft-certified storage of data and documents (Azure, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, etc.) with GDPR guarantee (storage within the EU)
  • Integration with the Flemish Government (MAGDA) for accessing authentic sources (National Register, CBE, VLOK, Land Registry, etc.)
  • Communication with citizens via
    • Email
    • E-Box (My Citizen Profile)
    • Magda Document Service
    • Citizen portal on the local government website, where citizens can gain direct access to their file, with the possibility of submitting removal requests, applying for exemptions, lodging appeals and disputes, etc.
  • Digital signing of documents (by the Mayor and Aldermen or delegates)
  • Issuing certificates of conformity (also for rental properties, student housing, etc.) integrated with VLOK (Flemish Government)

More information about this application, our implementation method, and our experience in this field can be found on this website.

Why choose Neglect-X?

What is a vacancy tax?

In 1995, the Flemish government introduced the ‘Tax to combat vacancy and dilapidation of houses and/or buildings’.
On March 18, 2009, the Flemish Parliament passed the decree on land and property policy, which introduced a new policy approach.
The essence remains the same: combating the vacancy and dilapidation of buildings and the decay of neighborhoods and cities.
Cities and municipalities can also introduce their own vacancy tax instead of the Flemish government. In addition to setting their own priorities, this also offers the advantage that the revenue goes to the local municipal treasury. But above all, this ensures a more beautiful municipality or city to live in. (*)

The tax is aimed at three types of conditions in which homes and buildings may be found:

  • Vacant buildings and/or homes
  • Houses declared unfit and/or uninhabitable
  • Neglected buildings and/or homes

Why then choose Neglect-X?

  • Aarixa is familiar with the regulations and the issues surrounding this levy
  • Aarixa has experience in customizing the software used for the vacancy levy
  • Aarixa was responsible for the project management and analysis during the development of the vacancy levy program for the Flemish government (HOLV)
  • Thanks to all this experience, the implementation in your municipality will proceed very smoothly, and at the best price!
  • Guaranteed with the highest (certified) security standards
  • We are approaching the milestone of 150 Flemish municipalities for which follow-up is managed by Neglect-X – and for good reason

*”Coalition Agreement of the Flemish Government 2004-2009 ‘Giving trust. Taking responsibility.’, Chapter III ‘An affordable home for everyone’, subtitle 4. ‘Improving housing quality’, p. 31.

Our method for inventorying vacancy

  1. Non-binding, informative consultation
  2. Analysis of your needs
  3. Advice regarding your regulations
  4. Design and implementation
  5. Installation & potential training
  6. Ongoing follow-up and support

Our modules

In addition to the core modules ‘Vacancy’, ‘Neglect’, and ‘Unfit/Uninhabitable’, we provide several additional modules that are optionally available.

INVENTORY OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AND BUSINESS PREMISES

Neglect-X provides the option to maintain an integrated inventory of business premises alongside the inventory of residential properties and buildings. These can be governed by entirely different municipal regulations (taxation, reports, etc.) compared to residential properties.

INVENTORY OF SECOND HOMES

This module allows users to register all investigations, declarations, and inventory recordings for second homes. As a result, a list of all inventoried properties and associated parties can be generated via declaration/investigation during a Financial Service Export.

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY – (rental) properties

This module provides a specialized feature, integrated with VLOK, for drafting and following up on certificates of conformity for rental properties.

All properties suspected of being rented out are provided via the suspicion lists. Subsequently, applications can be submitted through the citizen portal module (see below), and certificates can be issued via the citizen’s preferred method (e-portal, paper, etc.).

INTEGRATION WITH MAGDA (data sources and recipients)

Once an address is entered, the GAR code (Building and Address Register) is automatically retrieved. This allows us to locate the plot on which the property is situated in the Land Registry. Through the Cadastral Ledger, we identify the holders of the in rem rights for this property. These are then retrieved via the National Register and CBE. This information is automatically kept up to date within Neglect-X.

In this way, the data of taxpayers and other stakeholders always remains current.

Information regarding housing quality flows back to VLOK.

INTEGRATION WITH GIS (including VIP – Real Estate Information Platform)

Files can be visualized within the client’s GIS application. Active links are available with Geo-IT, ArcGIS (Cevi), Q-GIS, etc.

It is also possible to start a file from the GIS – information then flows from the GIS platform to Neglect-X, where the file will be created and linked to the selected objects from the GIS layers.

MAGDA DOCUMENT SERVICE

This module enables the transmission of generated letters via the national register number/company number to the MAGDA Document Service. They then ensure correct delivery:
  • Either via (registered or standard) mail through BPost. This service also handles printing, enveloping, and shipping.
  • Or via the e-portal/My Citizen Profile of the holder of the in rem right.

DIGITAL SIGNATURES

Documents can be digitally signed via an editorial flow. This can be done either through the eSignFlow platform (Vandenbroele) or via Digital Signing (the Flemish Government’s platform).

Other platforms can be added at very short notice if desired.

SUSPICION LIST (with route planner)

This module allows users to import and follow up on suspicion lists, and even head out into the field with an optimized route. The route can be followed on a tablet or smartphone, reducing inspection preparation to just minutes of work.

The suspicion list is provided for:
  • Vacancy
  • Neglect
  • Unfit/Uninhabitable
  • Rental properties

CITIZEN PORTAL ON MUNICIPAL WEBSITE

Since 2025, we have provided the option for citizens to directly access files in which they are identified as a stakeholder (both as a natural person and as a legal entity). This is possible via integration on the municipal website or through a portal provided by Neglect-X (in the local government’s corporate identity).
After logging in via ItsMe/C-ZAM, citizens can perform actions such as:
  • Accessing their own files (progress)
  • Submitting applications (requests for removal, exemptions, complaints, appeals, disputes, etc.)
  • Accessing current or requested exemptions
  • …

HOUSING DESK

Neglect-X also includes housing and energy desk functionality. This allows for the management of appointments with citizens, from scheduling to consultation. Various topics are available for inclusion in the discussion. Reporting to higher authorities is precisely why this module was developed, so it is perfectly equipped for that purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Neglect-X be linked to GIS systems?

Yes. We integrate with various suppliers. On the Neglect-X side, we provide a 2-way link: files can be shown in the GIS from Neglect-X, and files can be started or shown in Neglect-X from the GIS.
Can Neglect-X be linked to the CBE (Crossroads Bank for Enterprises)?
Neglect-X provides a link to the CBE via MAGDA.
Can Neglect-X be linked to the National Register?
Neglect-X provides a link to the National Register via MAGDA.
Can an export/link be provided with our accounting system?
This is provided as standard. A number of systems are supported by default (Unibel, CS-Collect, etc.); for other systems, our ‘standard Financial Service export’ can be used.
Is it possible to import an existing database?
This is possible if the database is well-structured. We can certainly import existing HOLV files. Other formats have also been successfully loaded, so past work can easily be transferred when starting with Neglect-X as the new and improved system.
Can inter-municipal partnerships also use the program?
This is possible, and several inter-municipal partnerships (IGSs) already use Neglect-X. The Housing and Energy Desk function is also used by the majority of them.
Follow-up per participating municipality remains possible, whereby each municipality can continue to use its own corporate identity (e.g., in letters).
Can the layout of the letters be easily adjusted?
The layout can be easily adjusted. Users can do this themselves, including corporate identity, by modifying simple Word documents in the integrated SharePoint environment.
How much time is needed to have the program operational?
The turnaround time is 1 to 3 months. It may be possible to ensure that input can start earlier.

Is it possible to inventory business premises?

This is possible.
Can you also provide hosting?
Neglect-X Web is only offered via the cloud (Microsoft Azure) as a SaaS solution, in combination with an M365 (SharePoint, Exchange, etc.) environment for document management. This way, we can automatically provide all customers with the latest version through monthly updates and offer support without having to involve the customer’s IT department.
How many municipalities use Neglect-X?
As of 2025-04-01, the count stood at 131 municipalities. And more are still joining.