Urgency on Medical Grounds in Rotterdam

Urgency on Medical Grounds in Rotterdam

In Rotterdam, urgency on medical grounds offers an important priority scheme within rental law, specifically for tenants facing serious health challenges who receive priority for social housing. Given the significant housing shortage in this vibrant port city, where waiting times for an affordable home often stretch to years, this regulation helps individuals who can no longer live in their current residence due to medical issues. For instance, situations where damp apartments in older Rotterdam neighborhoods worsen lung conditions or stairwells limit mobility.

What is Urgency on Medical Grounds in Rotterdam?

Urgency in Rotterdam's rental law grants a priority position on the waiting list for social housing. On medical grounds, this applies to residents whose health is acutely at risk due to their living situation. For example, a person with COPD in a drafty building in Delfshaven might use urgency to move more quickly to a better-insulated home in a neighborhood like Feijenoord.

This procedure is part of the housing permit, which is required in Rotterdam for social housing (up to approximately €879.66 gross per month in 2024). Without urgency, you face long waits, but with it, you can immediately apply for suitable options, such as ground-floor bungalows for those with disabilities in Rotterdam-South. Urgency typically lasts three to six months and focuses on medically necessary housing types. It doesn't guarantee a home but speeds up the search. For more information on urgency, check our article on Housing Permit and Urgency in Rotterdam.

Legal Basis in Rotterdam

The foundation for urgency on medical grounds is found in the Housing Act 2014, articles 13 and following. The Municipality of Rotterdam may prioritize medical cases in its housing regulations. Article 14 emphasizes urgency in cases of 'serious risk to health' due to inadequate housing.

The Housing Act requires the municipality to consider special circumstances in social housing allocations. Rotterdam follows VNG guidelines, where a general practitioner or specialist must demonstrate that relocation is essential. Due to the high pressure on the Rotterdam housing market, stricter criteria apply. The urgency declaration must comply with local rules; you can appeal rejections with the Municipality of Rotterdam or the Rotterdam District Court (article 8:1 General Administrative Law Act).

Conditions for Urgency on Medical Grounds in Rotterdam

For approval in Rotterdam, strict requirements must be met. First, a medical indication, verified by a doctor, such as chronic conditions or mental health issues exacerbated by the housing— for example, arthritis in a flat without an elevator in Rotterdam-West.

The current situation must be untenable, with immediate health risks and no feasible adaptations possible. You must not have other urgent ties to Rotterdam (such as employment), except in medical exceptions. You need to be registered with the Municipality of Rotterdam and meet income limits (up to €47,699 gross per year for single persons in 2024). Family members or caregivers can also apply for those who depend on care.

• Medical evidence: A statement from a general practitioner or specialist detailing the condition and its housing-related impact.
• Housing type: Urgency specifies needs, such as 'wheelchair-accessible' or 'near Rotterdam care centers'.
• No fraud: Urgency is not granted for recent voluntary moves or self-inflicted issues.

Application Procedure in Rotterdam

The application is handled through the Municipality of Rotterdam. Download the form from rotterdam.nl or the Rotterdam Housing Desk and include:

1. The completed application form with your details.
2. Medical certificates from doctors.
3. Proof of your living situation, such as a lease or photos of defects in your Rotterdam rental property.
4. Income and municipal registration proof.

The municipality decides within 8 weeks (General Administrative Law Act). If approved, you receive an urgency declaration for housing associations like Woonbron or Havensteder. Search for a home within the validity period, or it expires. If denied, appeal within 6 weeks. Due to workload in Rotterdam, it may take longer; consider assistance from the Rotterdam Legal Aid Office or a tenancy law attorney.

Rights and Obligations in Rotterdam

With urgency, you have the right to priority for social housing that matches your medical needs. You can respond directly to vacancies via WoningNet Rotterdam, bypassing the standard waiting list. Obligations include actively searching and honestly reporting changes. For advice on your rights, contact the Rotterdam Legal Aid Office.

Veelgestelde vragen

Wat is mijn retourrecht?

Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.

Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?

Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.

Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?

Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.

Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?

Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.

Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?

Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.