A FamilyS Fight for Survival: The Story of Milada

The documentary “House Without the East”, directed by Tomáš Hlaváček, recently captivated audiences at the Jihlava Documentary Film Festival and One World Festival. Now, it’s poised to make an even bigger impact as it heads to cinemas, bringing to light the harsh realities faced by families like Milada’s in Brno, Czech Republic.

Milada, along with her neighbor Zdena, are the central figures in this poignant time-lapse documentary. The film chronicles Milada’s desperate move from a mold-infested studio apartment to the Kuncovka hostel with her partner and four children in 2011. The family had endured squalid conditions, with Milada and her partner forced to sleep on the floor while their children occupied the limited seating space. Their decision to leave was prompted by the landlord’s failure to address the persistent mold issue, despite repeated complaints to the authorities.

The Trap of Predatory landlords and Usurious Loans

Initially, Milada’s relationship with Robert Hrdina, who managed the Kuncovka hostel, seemed promising. However, this quickly soured when Hrdina began demanding daily cash advances for rent. Milada recounts the pressure, stating that they were forced to pay perhaps five hundred to a thousand crowns every day without any formal record of payment. This practice, as director Tomáš Hlaváček points out, is a common tactic employed by poverty merchants who exploit vulnerable tenants.

The tenants gave the hero cash. It wasn’t written anywhere, there was no evidence that the money had paid him. The hero came and said, ‘Give me or do not turn on electricity for children.’

Tomáš Hlaváček, Director of “House Without the East”

Facing mounting financial pressure, Milada resorted to taking out non-bank loans and engaging with usurers. These debts spiraled out of control as Hrdina’s demands for daily advances continued. I didn’t know if I had to raise money for or for food, milada explains, highlighting the unfeasible choices she was forced to make.

Sociologist Petr Kupka, who contributed to the documentary, emphasizes the systemic nature of this problem. It is the whole system of usurers’ commitment in which you are constantly in debt from which you cannot get out of it. It creates the impression that you are still owed, he explains, illustrating how these predatory practices create a cycle of dependency and exploitation.

Impact on Family Life and Community

While Milada struggled to manage the family’s finances, her partner primarily cared for the children within the confines of their Kuncovka apartment. Their lives became increasingly isolated, with school being their only real connection to the outside world. This isolation is a common consequence of poverty and unstable housing, further marginalizing already vulnerable families.

Beyond Milada’s Story: A Wider Crisis of Affordable Housing

Milada’s story is not an isolated incident. Across Europe, and especially in regions with rapidly growing urban centers, the availability of affordable housing is dwindling, leaving many families vulnerable to exploitation. According to a 2024 report by Habitat for Humanity, over 10 million Europeans struggle with housing insecurity, facing issues such as overcrowding, substandard conditions, and the threat of eviction.

The film “House Without the east” serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of this crisis and the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable populations from predatory housing practices. It highlights the importance of accessible legal aid, financial literacy programs, and increased investment in affordable housing initiatives.

Life in Kuncovka: A Struggle for Basic Amenities

Residents of the Kuncovka hostel face daily challenges that extend beyond typical housing concerns. Intermittent access to essential utilities, particularly electricity and warm water, has become a defining feature of life there. According to one resident, Milada, electricity is often available for only two hours per day. This scarcity impacts everything from cooking and cleaning to children’s ability to study and complete homework.

The lack of reliable utilities is not just an inconvenience; it’s a source of constant stress and disruption for families living in the hostel. Imagine trying to prepare a meal, keep your home clean, or help your children with their schoolwork when the power goes out unexpectedly. These are the realities faced by Kuncovka residents every day.

Escalating Conflicts and Allegations of Discrimination

Beyond the infrastructural issues, residents like milada have reported ongoing conflicts with a figure identified as “the hero,” allegedly a person of authority within the hostel. These disputes frequently enough centre around the deliberate disruption of services, such as the electricity supply.Milada recounts that her children have even made light of the situation, joking that “the hero” is responsible whenever their fuses are blown.

However, the situation took a darker turn when disagreements escalated to the point where Milada and her family felt compelled to leave the hostel. She alleges that on one occasion, after they had disobeyed instructions, “the hero” arrived at their door with a Rottweiler named Jack. According to Milada,the dog was trained to react aggressively to the word “gypsy,” and its presence was intended to intimidate them into leaving.

Jack was learned to respond aggressively only to the word gypsy. He stood with the dog at the door and waited for us to get out.
Milada,Kuncovka Resident

Such allegations raise serious concerns about discrimination and abuse of power within the Kuncovka hostel. While these are currently allegations, they highlight the urgent need for investigation and intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. According to a 2024 report by the European Union Agency for essential Rights, Roma communities across Europe continue to face widespread discrimination in housing, employment, and access to essential services.

seeking Solutions and Justice for Kuncovka Residents

The situation in Kuncovka underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues that contribute to inequality and marginalization.It is crucial that authorities investigate the allegations of discrimination and abuse,and take steps to ensure that all residents have access to safe and adequate housing. Furthermore, efforts should be made to improve the infrastructure and provide reliable access to essential utilities, such as electricity and warm water.

The story of Milada and her family serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many marginalized communities. By shedding light on these issues, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

A History of Discord: Clashes at Kuncovka

The Kuncovka hostel has been a site of frequent disputes, primarily between tenants and the building’s management. One individual, described as a “hero” by some, has often found himself at the center of these conflicts. Accusations have flown, and tensions have remained high, creating a challenging living environment for many residents.

In one instance, the “hero” reportedly responded to complaints by suggesting dissatisfied tenants should simply leave. He clarified that,as he wasn’t the property owner,he lacked the authority to resolve their issues directly.This highlights a recurring theme: a disconnect between residents’ concerns and the perceived lack of responsive action from those in charge.

Utility failures and Neglect: “No Baby Should Experience This”

beyond interpersonal conflicts, Kuncovka residents have also faced significant issues with essential utilities. Reports of electricity outages, lack of heating, and inconsistent hot water supply have been common. These problems have particularly impacted families with young children, leading to dire living conditions.

No kid should experience what is happening in Kuncovka.

Former Kuncovka Resident,Milada

Milada,a former resident who later worked at the hostel’s front desk,recounted instances where temperatures inside apartments plummeted to as low as eight degrees Celsius. She described mothers with children frequently approaching her with complaints about the lack of basic amenities. Her attempts to address these issues were often met with delays, exacerbating the already tough situation.

From Tenant to Gatekeeper: A Shift in Perspective

Milada’s experience offers a unique perspective on the Kuncovka situation. Initially a tenant embroiled in disputes, she later became responsible for managing aspects of the hostel, including cleaning, key distribution, and rent collection. This transition provided her with firsthand insight into the challenges faced by both residents and management.

She alleges that she was instructed to participate in disconnecting electricity to tenants, a task she claims to have only performed alongside the building manager, Jelinek, who possessed the necessary key. This raises serious questions about the ethical and legal implications of such actions.

Seeking an Exit: Criminal Complaints and Displacement

Frustrated by the persistent issues and lack of resolution, Milada, along with eleven other tenants, filed a criminal complaint. This marked a turning point, signaling a collective effort to address the problems through legal channels. however, the decision to take legal action also led to further displacement.

After leaving Kuncovka, Milada and her family found temporary housing through acquaintances. Though, their stay was short-lived due to alleged drug-related activities within the new residence. This underscores the challenges faced by displaced individuals and families in finding safe and stable housing.

Legal Repercussions: Complaints and Penalties

The criminal complaints filed by Milada and other tenants have resulted in legal scrutiny. While the full extent of the legal ramifications remains to be seen, the situation highlights the potential consequences of neglecting tenant welfare and failing to maintain habitable living conditions.The outcome of these legal proceedings could set a precedent for similar cases involving tenant rights and landlord responsibilities.

The Human Cost of Housing Insecurity

A new documentary, Without the East, shines a spotlight on the precarious housing situation faced by vulnerable communities in the Czech Republic, particularly the Roma population. The film follows the stories of individuals like Zdena and Milena, who were tenants in a building managed by Robert Hrdina, a man previously convicted of grant fraud.Their experiences highlight the systemic issues that contribute to housing instability and discrimination.

The film also features Julek, a Roma activist who infiltrated the building to gather evidence against hrdina. In 2017, the evidence collected by Julek led 12 tenants to file a criminal complaint against Hrdina, alleging exploitative rental practices. These practices included month-to-month leases, effectively turning the building into a hostel and leaving tenants with little security. Those who filed the complaint found their leases were not renewed.

Legal Battles and Limited Justice

The legal proceedings that followed resulted in Hrdina receiving a sentence of 300 hours of community service. zdena received a similar punishment for fraudulent rental receipts, while julek was fined for unauthorized use of an apartment after his contract was not extended. Many feel that the punishments did not adequately address the harm caused to the tenants.

Displacement and the Search for Stability

The documentary also illustrates the challenges faced by families displaced from their homes. One family, including Milada, was forced to move to Kroměříž, where nine people lived in a single studio apartment. Seeking a more stable solution, Milada approached a local hostel, but was turned away after the owner saw footage from Kuncovka (likely referring to the building in the documentary) and feared potential problems.

Desperate to find accommodation before the start of the school year, Milada contacted Hrdina’s wife, hoping to return to their previous residence. Despite initial permission, they were ultimately denied. Eventually,the family found temporary housing with relatives at another hostel in Brno. For safety reasons, they are hesitant to disclose the exact location of their new accommodation.

Community Support and Advocacy

Following the film’s release, IQ Roma, an institution dedicated to improving the lives of Roma people, launched a public fundraising campaign to support those affected by the House without the East situation. The funds are intended to provide dignified housing, household essentials, deposits, rent assistance, and basic necessities.

European Scrutiny and Systemic Failures

The issue of affordable and dignified housing in the Czech Republic has drawn the attention of international bodies. In 2020, the European Committee for Social Rights, prompted by a complaint from feantsa, an organization working with homeless individuals, determined that the Czech Republic is in violation of the European Social Charter.

Specifically, the Committee found a breach of the article concerning social, legal and economic protection to ensure the necessary conditions for the full progress of the family, which is the basic unit of the company.

The Committee’s findings highlight deficiencies in the protection of vulnerable groups under housing law, particularly concerning forced evictions, the provision of social housing, and systemic discrimination against the Roma community. These findings align with broader concerns about housing affordability across Europe. According to a 2023 report by Housing Europe,over 10% of Europeans experience housing deprivation,struggling with issues like overcrowding,lack of basic amenities,or excessive housing costs.

Government Response and Future Prospects

Government ministries are currently reviewing the European Committee’s decision. Marcela, a representative from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, stated that the proposed Act on Housing Support, currently under consideration by the Chamber of Deputies, could considerably improve the housing situation for vulnerable groups, including the Roma population. The Act aims to provide more thorough housing assistance and address systemic inequalities in access to safe and affordable housing.