Housing Swap Corporation Policy Amsterdam: rules and procedure
Housing swap corporation policy Amsterdam regulates the possibilities for tenants of corporations such as Ymere, De Key and Rochdale to swap their homes within the Amsterdam housing stock. Ideal for those who want to move to another neighborhood in Amsterdam-Noord, Zuid or Centrum, are looking for a larger floor, or want to live closer to work or family. This article discusses the policy specifically for Amsterdam, local rules and how to successfully apply for a swap with the Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220) if necessary.
What is housing swap corporation policy in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, housing swaps are central to corporation policy to efficiently allocate scarce social rental housing. Corporations manage approximately 60% of rental properties and offer swaps within their portfolio, often via platforms such as WoningNet Amsterdam or their own portals. Swaps are possible between neighborhoods such as the Jordaan and Bijlmer, or from a two-bedroom apartment to a maisonette, provided it suits your household. The policy is aligned with the Housing Act and Amsterdam's Housing Allocation Ordinance.
Each corporation has its own housing swap regulation, often updated after 2015. Check with your landlord – e.g. Ymere's swap module or De Key's tenant portal – for current information.
Legal basis in Amsterdam
The core laws for housing swaps in Amsterdam are:
- Article 7:230 CC: basis for tenant rights in swaps.
- Article 3:106 Housing Act: conditions for swap permit.
- Decree on the Granting of Subsidies to Housing Corporations (BSW): mandatory regulation for corporations.
- Amsterdam housing swap regulation of corporations, plus the Housing Allocation Ordinance of the Municipality of Amsterdam for urgency priority.
Conditions for housing swap in Amsterdam
Amsterdam corporations apply strict requirements due to the housing shortage:
1. You are a regular tenant
Only with an indefinite-term lease agreement with an Amsterdam corporation. Temporary contracts (often for starters or status holders) are excluded.
2. Suitable properties
Not all properties qualify:
- Reserved for priority groups such as emergency seekers, 65+ or single-parent families.
- Flex dwellings in IJburg or Zuidoost for temporary use.
- Properties under specific subsidies, e.g. for Amsterdam homeless shelter.
3. Property match
The swap property must fit:
- Based on living quota (number of persons per room).
- Within Amsterdam boundaries or approved exchange with surrounding corporations.
- Rent price balance: max. 10-15% difference allowed.
- Availability of bicycle storage or elevator in new development areas.
4. Waiting period and income test
Minimum 12 months rental history required. Income must remain below the liberalization threshold (€ 45,000+ pp. 2024). Request free advice from Juridisch Loket Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 77).
Housing swap procedure Amsterdam
1. Register on corporation portal or WoningNet.
2. Find match and submit joint application.
3. Corporation checks within 4-6 weeks (income, debts, maintenance).
4. In case of rejection: objection via corporation, then to Amsterdam District Court.
Tips and pitfalls
- Check suitability: swapping to too large costs urgency points.
- Avoid illegal swapping – fine up to €10,000 via municipality.
- Consult Huurteam Amsterdam for second opinion.
For personal assistance: Juridisch Loket Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77 or Amsterdam District Court, Parnassusweg 220.