Housing Swap Scheme for Social Housing Tenants in Rotterdam

Housing swap offers tenants of social housing in Rotterdam the opportunity to exchange homes without a new permit, provided both homes are suitable according to the local Housing Allocation Ordinance. According to the Housing Act (article 2.27), housing associations such as Woonbron, Vestia and Havensteder must facilitate swaps via platforms such as Woningruil.nl and Pararius Ruilen. Criteria: equivalent rent price, no rent arrears, no debts with the housing association and approval from the municipality of Rotterdam. Benefits: shorter waiting time on the Rotterdam social housing market, retention of senior status and better match with neighbourhood preferences such as Rotterdam-South or Kralingen. In 2023, housing swaps in Rotterdam achieved over 1,200 swaps, an increase due to the pressure on the housing market in the port city. Register with your Rotterdam housing association with motivation, such as family expansion, proximity to jobs in the Maasstad or moving to an energy-efficient home in IJsselmonde. Negotiate directly with the swap partner about transfer of furnishings and date. Note: in case of unequal property value, financial settlement via the housing association may be required, in accordance with Rotterdam guidelines. Avoid legal pitfalls? Have the model contract from the municipality of Rotterdam checked by Huurteam Roteb or a lawyer. The municipality of Rotterdam actively promotes swapping via the 'Swapping for Throughflow' campaign to shorten waiting lists for 30,000 urgent housing seekers. This way, you creatively solve your housing problem in the vibrant port city without standing on the list for years. (248 words)