Role of Housing Associations in Social Rental Housing in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, housing associations such as Ymere, De Key, and Rochdale manage approximately 75% of social rental housing and must allocate 90% to households with an income below €47,699 (2024 threshold). Appropriate allocation is mandatory: middle-income households are not eligible for the cheapest units due to the enormous scarcity in the Amsterdam market.
Allocation Rules in Amsterdam
Housing seekers register via WoningNet Amsterdam or the Amsterdam Housing Allocation Ordinance 2024. Urgency applies to starters under 30, those aged 65 and over, status holders, and Amsterdam residents with medical necessity. Associations may allocate a maximum of 5% of housing with urgency, with additional priority for urgently homeless families via the Housing Department.
Rights and Obligations as an Amsterdam Tenant
- Transparency: Associations publish current waiting lists on their websites and via the municipal portal.
- Lease Agreement: Standard minimum 1 year, with fixed term and option for extension.
- Maintenance: Association is responsible for major maintenance; minor maintenance is often the tenant's responsibility.
In case of problems: file a complaint with the association, the Housing Ombudsman, or the Amsterdam Legal Aid Office. Housing Act art. 47 places supervision with the municipality of Amsterdam, with annual reports on performance agreements.
Alternatives in Amsterdam
Private social landlords have fallen under the same strict rules since 2015. For middle-income earners, Amsterdam offers the Mid-Rent Scheme via associations, with registration at WoningNet.