Income Limits and Admission Requirements for Social Housing in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, social housing is intended for lower incomes in a city with enormous housing shortage. The Affordable Rent Act sets the national limits: in 2024 maximum €47,699 for single-person households and €52,671 for multi-person households. The municipality of Amsterdam strictly enforces these limits through housing associations such as Ymere, De Key and Rochdale.
Admission Requirements in Amsterdam
You must fall below the rent allowance threshold, not own your own home and be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Amsterdam conducts a suitability test: the rent price may not exceed 130% of the quality profile of your household. Waiting lists are long; urgency is only for extreme cases such as domestic violence or medical necessity.
Report Changes in Income
Does your income rise above the limit? Report this within one month to your housing association or the municipality, otherwise re-placement on the waiting list or eviction looms. If your income decreases, you can apply for urgency via the Housing Allocation System (WBS), but Amsterdam prioritizes status holders and Amsterdam residents with local ties.
Exceptions and Objection Procedures
Status holders, bereaved relatives of tenants and victims of housing shortage sometimes receive priority under Amsterdam's Housing Allocation Ordinance. Wrongly refused? File an objection with the housing association and appeal via the General Administrative Law Act (Awb) at the Amsterdam District Court.
Check your income annually with the Tax Authorities and report changes in a timely manner. Amsterdam rules are often stricter than national rules, with extra focus on minimum years of residence in the city.