Housing Benefit Fraud in Rotterdam: Legislation and Remedial Measures
In Rotterdam, housing benefit fraud falls under the Housing Benefit Act (Wet op de huurtoeslag), with strict controls conducted by the Tax and Customs Administration/Benefits Department (Belastingdienst/Toeslagen). The Municipality of Rotterdam collaborates through address checks in districts such as Charlois, Feijenoord, and Rotterdam-Zuid, and cross-references income data from the municipal basic registry. Common forms of fraud include falsified rental contracts with private landlords in the port city or concealing a partner in a shared apartment.
Detection and Investigation in Rotterdam
Data is cross-referenced between the Tax and Customs Administration, the Municipality of Rotterdam, and landlords such as Woonbron and Vestia. In cases of suspected fraud in Rotterdam student flats or social housing: a request for information is sent to the tenant and landlord, followed by a home visit or even a search by the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) in collaboration with local neighbourhood teams.
Consequences for Rotterdam Residents
Immediate repayment of wrongfully received benefits, a fine of up to 100% of the amount plus €650, and suspension of housing benefit. An objection can be lodged within six weeks with the Tax and Customs Administration; Rotterdam tenants can seek free advice at the Legal Counter Rotterdam at Rotterdam Central Station.
Appeals Procedure
Following rejection of an objection: an appeal can be filed with the District Court of Rotterdam. An appeal to the Council of State is also possible. Specifically for Rotterdam: local judges take into account the high rental pressure in the city.
- Voluntary payment prevents enforcement through the municipality
- Statute of limitations after 5 years, but Rotterdam proactively monitors through the Rotterdam Fraud Prevention Unit
Avoid issues by submitting a correct application via My Benefits (Mijn toeslagen). In case of errors in your Rotterdam housing situation: correct immediately and contact the Tax and Customs Administration or a local tenants' organisation such as SP Rotterdam.