Objection and appeal against placement on social housing waiting list in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, where waiting lists for social housing are extremely long due to high demand, you may feel unfairly treated. The General Administrative Law Act (Awb) provides powerful options for objection and appeal, especially in cases of incorrect registration with housing associations such as Ymere or De Key, removal from the list or refusal of urgency by the municipality of Amsterdam.
Steps for objection in Amsterdam
Within 6 weeks after the decision of the municipality or an Amsterdam housing association, you submit an objection letter. Address this to Woningbedrijf Amsterdam or the relevant housing association. Clearly state the facts, grounds and evidence, such as your registration date via the Amsterdam Housing Register. The authority must decide within 6 weeks (extension to 10 weeks possible). No response? Then 'deemed consent' applies under the Awb.
To the administrative court
If the objection is rejected, you can lodge an appeal within 6 weeks at the District Court of Amsterdam, Administrative Law Division. Hearings are held at the palace on Prins Bernhardplein, and legal assistance is available through subsidised legal aid from the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam or pro bono lawyers. Judges review proportionality, carefulness and compliance with the Amsterdam Housing Ordinance.
Common successful grounds in Amsterdam
Typical success factors include errors in the waiting time calculation from your registration in the Parool system, discrimination based on income or origin, or insufficient reasoning. In 2023, according to recent case law from the District Court of Amsterdam, more than 28% of claimants in social housing cases won, partly due to stricter local urgency criteria.
In the Amsterdam housing market with tens of thousands of people on waiting lists, alertness to deadlines is crucial. Contact the Juridisch Loket for free advice to avoid pitfalls such as late submission and to strengthen your position.