Housing Swap Scheme for Social Housing Tenants in Amsterdam

Housing swap offers tenants of social housing in Amsterdam the opportunity to legally exchange without a new permit, provided both dwellings are suitable according to the local Housing Allocation Ordinance. According to the Housing Act (article 2.27), housing associations such as Ymere, De Key and Rochdale must facilitate swaps via platforms such as Woningruil.nl and Pararius Ruil. Criteria: equivalent rent price, no rent arrears, suitability via Amsterdam's points system and municipal approval. Benefits: shorter waiting time on the Amsterdam waiting list (average 8-10 years) and retention of senior status or urgency. In 2023, housing swaps in Amsterdam realised over 1,200 swaps, supported by the municipality to promote turnover in neighbourhoods such as Bijlmer, Noord and West. Register with your housing association with motivation, such as family expansion, proximity to work in the Zuidas or schools in Oud-West. Negotiate directly with the swap partner about key handover and furnishings. Note: in case of unequal WOZ value or location (e.g. centre vs. periphery), a financial settlement via the housing association may be required. Avoid legal pitfalls? Have the model contract of the Amsterdam Federation of Housing Associations checked by a tenancy law lawyer. The municipality of Amsterdam actively promotes swapping via the website Ikzoekeenwoning.amsterdam and campaigns to more efficiently utilise the 50,000 social rental dwellings. This way, you creatively solve your housing problem without standing on the list for years for a flat in the Jordaan or an apartment in Zuidoost. (248 words)