Appropriate Allocation in Social Rental Housing: Rules, Assessment, and Impact on Your Registration
Appropriate allocation obliges housing associations to allocate 80-95% of social rental housing to households with an income below 200% of the social minimum, as per Article 1.1 of the Housing Act. For starters, a quota of 20% applies to middle incomes up to €47,699. Tenants must undergo an 'appropriateness assessment': rent may not exceed 30% of their income. Upon allocation, WoningNet verifies your income via DUO and the Tax and Customs Administration. Exceptions include urgency due to medical necessity or informal care. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to €100,000 per dwelling.
In practice, housing associations in Amsterdam enforce stricter allocation, with waiting times of up to 10 years. As a tenant, you can lodge a complaint with the Housing Authority. This policy ensures that social housing remains affordable and prioritizes low-income households. Check your eligibility using the calculation tool on Rijksoverheid.nl.