Social housing: income limit Rotterdam 2024
The income limit for social housing in Rotterdam determines whether you qualify for an affordable home in the social rental sector. This limit is set nationally, but its application and verification are handled via the Municipality of Rotterdam and local housing associations. In 2024, a strict maximum limit applies to reserve social rental homes for households with lower incomes. Rotterdam, as a major city, applies these rules to address the housing shortage and guarantee affordable housing.
What does the income limit in Rotterdam entail?
Social rental homes in Rotterdam have a rent price up to the liberalisation limit (approx. € 879.66 in 2024). The income limit is the maximum gross annual income of your household to be considered suitable for this sector. This is determined based on the test income from your income tax return, including all household members. The Municipality of Rotterdam verifies this via the Housing Notification Point.
Key factors:
- Gross test income (box 1 + notional return box 3).
- Household composition (number of persons).
- Regional urgency: Rotterdam gives priority to emergency seekers such as status holders and victims of domestic violence.
Legal basis in Rotterdam
The rules are based on:
- Housing Act (art. 1.1 and 5.1): Defines the social rental sector.
- Rent Allowance Act (art. 1.1-1.2): Rent allowance standards also apply to allocation.
- Appropriate allocation (art. 2.15 Housing Act): 95% of social rental must be allocated 'appropriately'.
- Decree urgent target groups: Priority for vulnerable Rotterdam residents.
The District Court Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) handles objections to allocation decisions. The Legal Aid Office Rotterdam (Westblaak 180) provides free advice on your rights.
Income limits social housing Rotterdam 2024
Rotterdam follows the national rent allowance standards but applies them strictly. Below are the current indicative limits (based on 2023 test income for 2024 allocations):
| Number of persons | Max. test income 2024 | Avg. rent Rotterdam (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | € 45.882 | € 650-€ 750 |
| 2 persons | € 62.967 | € 750-€ 850 |
| 3 persons | € 72.893 | € 850-€ 950 |
| 4 persons | € 82.819 | € 950-€ 1.050 |
| 5+ persons | € 92.745 | € 1.050-€ 1.150 |
NB: Exact verification via Housing Notification Point Rotterdam. Income 2023 determines your right for 2025.
Practical examples Rotterdam
Example 1: Single person in Rotterdam-South
Situation: Fatima (32), gross test income € 42,000 (2023). Seeking 2-room apartment.
Result: Falls below limit (€ 45,882). Can register with housing associations such as Woonbron, Haga Wonen. Waiting time: 5-10 years.
Example 2: Family Rotterdam-West
Situation: Ahmed family: 2 adults + 2 children, joint income € 75,000.
Result: Above limit (€ 72,893 for 4 persons). No social housing, referral to mid-range rental.
How does Rotterdam check your income?
- Registration with WoningNet Rotterdam via woningmeldpunt.rotterdam.nl.
- Income check: Automatically via Tax Authorities (annually in April).
- Social housing match: Only if income < limit AND housing suitable for income.
- Objection? Within 6 weeks after decision to District Court Rotterdam.
Special rules Rotterdam
- Urgency declaration: For homeless, cancer patients via Social Team.
- Rotterdam Code: Extra priority for families with children in deprived neighbourhoods.
- Anti-speculation amount: Upon sale of social rental home, owner pays back 100% WOZ value.
Action: Check your income on Rijksoverheid.nl. Request free advice at Legal Aid Office Rotterdam, Westblaak 180 (010-201.08.00) or file an objection with District Court Rotterdam, Wilhelminaplein 100-125.