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Social Housing Waiting List Rules Amsterdam

Are you on the **social housing waiting list in Amsterdam**? Read here about the **local rules**, **priorities** and **your rights** in allocation. Discover what to do about long waiting times and how to get priority via **WoningNet Amsterdam**. Practical tips for Amsterdam home seekers.

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Social Housing Waiting List Rules Amsterdam: your rights and obligations

In Amsterdam, the **social housing waiting list** is managed via the **WoningNet Amsterdam** platform. Housing associations such as Ymere, De Key and Rochdale allocate social rental housing to registered home seekers. The rules are based on the **Housing Act**, **Rent Supervision Act (Wht)** and the **Amsterdam Housing Allocation Ordinance**, supplemented with local priorities for emergency seekers and urgent cases. **District Court Amsterdam** (Parnassusweg 220) handles objections, and the **Legal Aid Office Amsterdam** (Vijzelstraat 77) provides free advice.

Social Housing Waiting List in Amsterdam: how does WoningNet work?

To qualify for a **social rental property in Amsterdam** (rent up to €879.66 in 2024), you must register with **WoningNet**. You build up **registration duration** from your registration date. Properties are allocated based on **priority points**, with emergency applicants (with 'emergency' label) receiving priority over regular candidates.

Amsterdam applies strict rules due to the enormous demand: on average 5-10 years waiting time for a regular property. Priority applies to **status holders**, **families in urgency**, **people with medical necessity** or **victims of domestic violence**. Always check the **Municipality of Amsterdam Housing Allocation Ordinance** for current criteria.

Legal basis in Amsterdam

  • Housing Act & Amsterdam Housing Allocation Ordinance: Regulates allocation and urgent placement.
  • Rent Supervision Act (Wht): Maximises rent prices for the social sector.
  • General Administrative Law Act (Awb): Provides right to objection and appeal at District Court Amsterdam (Parnassusweg 220).
  • WoningNet rules: Registration mandatory; login with DigiD. Rules on woningnet.nl/amsterdam.

Prioritisation criteria Amsterdam

Amsterdam uses a points system:

Criterion Explanation Amsterdam Example
Registration duration Basic priority based on waiting time. 10 years registered > priority over 2 years.
Emergency label Urgent cases bypass regular list. Status holder or medical urgency in Amsterdam.
Housing match Suitable in terms of size and type. Family with 2 children priority for 3+ bedrooms.
Income limit Max. €47,699 (single) or €52,671 (together). Check via CAW; no priority on income.
Amsterdam connection Priority for long-term residents. 10+ years in Amsterdam > newcomer.

Your rights on the WoningNet waiting list Amsterdam

You have the right to **transparency**: housing associations must explain why you do not get a property. No response within 6 weeks? Reminder via WoningNet. In case of errors: **objection** with the housing association, then **appeal to District Court Amsterdam** (Parnassusweg 220). **Legal Aid Office Amsterdam** (Vijzelstraat 77, tel. 020-5338430) helps free of charge with letters and procedures.

Obligations

  • Keep address, income and household composition up to date.
  • Respond to property offers within 2 weeks.
  • Activate DigiD for WoningNet.

What if the waiting list takes too long?

For >5 years waiting time: check **apply for urgency** with Municipality of Amsterdam (via Duo Amsterdam). Medical need? Apply for **medical urgency** with doctor's report. No success? Consider **self-management** or private sector. Contact Legal Aid Office Amsterdam for personal advice.

Useful links and contacts Amsterdam