Objection Procedure for Rent Allowance Recovery in Rotterdam

When the SVB issues a recovery decision regarding rent allowance, you as a Rotterdam resident can lodge an objection if you disagree. In a city like Rotterdam, with many tenants in neighbourhoods such as Charlois, Feijenoord or Kralingen, this is a common issue due to fluctuating incomes in the port and care sectors. The procedure starts with an objection letter within six weeks of the decision. Explain why the recovery is unjustified, with supporting documents such as income data from port companies, rental contracts from housing associations such as Woonbron or Haga Wonen, or proof of temporary jobs. The SVB will then reconsider your case and must decide within 8 weeks, unless an extension is granted. If the objection is rejected? Then you can appeal to the Rotterdam District Court, Administrative Law Division, at Jan van Nassaustraat. Important: during the procedure, you often do not yet have to pay, provided you request a deferral of payment – ideal for Rotterdammers with tight budgets. Tips: be concrete about local circumstances such as rising rents in the city, adhere to deadlines and consider free legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam at Schietbaanlaan or a neighbourhood team in Delfshaven. Incorrect decisions occur more frequently due to administrative errors, especially for benefits for large families in Rotterdam-South. Successful objections lead to waiver or set-off against future benefits. This is how the General Administrative Law Act protects your rights as a citizen in the Maasstad. Keep communicating with the SVB to arrange interest-free payment terms and prevent enforced collection via the bailiff – in Rotterdam there are plenty of success stories from tenants who retained their allowance.