Income Limits and Admission Requirements for Social Rental Housing in Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, social rental housing is intended for lower-income households to ensure affordable living in the city. The Affordable Housing Act sets the national limits: in 2024, a maximum of €47,699 for single-person households and €52,671 for multi-person households. Rotterdam housing associations such as Woonbron, Vestia, and Havensteder strictly enforce these limits due to the high demand for social housing.
Admission Requirements in Rotterdam
You must meet the housing allowance threshold, not own a home, and be registered in the Rotterdam Housing Ordinance. The municipality screens applicants via the Personal Records Database (BRP). Additionally, the suitability test applies: the rent may not exceed 130% of the property’s quality profile. Rotterdam prioritizes urgent cases such as first-time buyers and residence permit holders on the waiting list.
Reporting Income Changes to Rotterdam Housing Associations
If your income rises above the limit, you must report this to your housing association within one month; otherwise, you risk being moved to the back of the waiting list or even eviction. If your income decreases, you can apply for urgency status via the Municipality of Rotterdam, for example, for temporary housing in districts such as Charlois or Feijenoord.
Exceptions and Objection Procedures
Residence permit holders, surviving dependents, or Rotterdam residents with medical urgency may receive priority or relaxed rules. Do you feel unjustly excluded? You can lodge an objection under the General Administrative Law Act (Awb) with the housing association or municipality. The Rotterdam Social Support Act (Wmo) desk can provide advice on additional support.
Check your income and status annually via the Rotterdam Housing Register to ensure continued compliance. Local regulations in Rotterdam are often stricter than the national average due to the housing shortage.