Hans is the primary landlord for Nello and his grandfather, Jehan Daas, near Antwerp. Driven by financial motives, he demands increased rent from the impoverished family, threatening eviction. After Jehan's death, Hans enforces the eviction, rendering Nello and his dog Patrasche homeless.

Hans further antagonizes Nello following a fire on wealthy villager Baas Cogez's property. To evade responsibility for neglected maintenance potentially contributing to the fire, Hans falsely accuses Nello of arson. This accusation exacerbates social tensions, leading Baas Cogez to prohibit Nello from interacting with his daughter, Alois.

In some adaptations, notably the 1975 anime series, Hans experiences remorse after the tragic deaths of Nello and Patrasche. Realizing his false accusation contributed to their suffering, he expresses deep regret and vows to change his behavior. This portrayal shows Hans confronting the consequences of his actions, though his core depiction as an opportunistic and class-prejudiced figure remains consistent across most interpretations.