Urgency on Medical Grounds in Den Haag
In Den Haag, where the housing shortage is severe and waiting times for social rental housing often stretch to years, urgency on medical grounds provides a critical priority system for tenants with serious health issues. This provision under Dutch rental law assists residents whose health is no longer sustainable due to their living conditions, such as conditions that worsen from inadequate housing. The Municipality of Den Haag administers this system to prioritize vulnerable citizens in securing appropriate accommodation.
What is Urgency on Medical Grounds in Den Haag?
Urgency in rental law grants special priority on the waiting list for social rental housing in Den Haag. On medical grounds, it applies to individuals whose health is immediately at risk due to their current housing. For example, a resident with respiratory issues in a damp, moldy building where relocation is essential for recovery. In Den Haag, with its tight social housing market, this can lead to faster access to a suitable home.
This urgency is part of the housing permit, which is required for social rental housing with a rent up to approximately €879.66 gross per month in 2024. Without urgency, you might face a long wait, but with this status, you can immediately apply for available options that meet your medical needs, such as ground-floor apartments for those with disabilities. The urgency is temporary, typically lasting three to six months, and focuses on specifically suitable properties. It doesn't guarantee success but significantly speeds up the search. For more details on the broader process in Den Haag, refer to our article on Housing Permit and Urgency in Den Haag.
Legal Basis in Den Haag
The foundation for urgency on medical grounds is found in the Housing Act 2014, Articles 13 and following. The Municipality of Den Haag grants this through its housing regulations for medical emergencies. Article 14 emphasizes urgency in cases of 'serious risk to health' due to unsuitable living conditions. The Housing Act requires the municipality to consider exceptional circumstances in allocations.
In practice, Den Haag follows guidelines from the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), where a general practitioner or specialist must demonstrate that relocation is medically necessary. Due to the high demand in the Randstad region, including Den Haag, stricter criteria apply. The Urgency Declaration must comply with local rules; if denied, you can appeal to the Municipality of Den Haag or the District Court of Den Haag (Article 8:1 of the General Administrative Law Act).
Conditions for Urgency on Medical Grounds in Den Haag
For approval in Den Haag, strict requirements must be met. There needs to be a medical indication, verified by a doctor, such as for chronic conditions, disabilities, or mental health issues exacerbated by the housing— for instance, COPD in a drafty, poorly maintained property or fall risks without adaptations.
The current situation must be untenable, posing an immediate health risk with no realistic alternatives like home modifications. You must not have other urgent ties to Den Haag (such as employment), except in medical exceptions. Registration with the Municipality of Den Haag is required, along with income limits for social housing (up to €47,699 gross per year for single persons in 2024). Family members or caregivers can also apply if they support the patient.
- Medical documentation: A detailed statement from a general practitioner or specialist about the condition and the role of the housing.
- Housing requirements: Specify the needed type, such as 'wheelchair-accessible' or 'near medical facilities in Den Haag'.
- No misuse: Urgency is not granted for recent voluntary moves or self-inflicted issues.
Application Procedure in Den Haag
The application is handled through the Municipality of Den Haag. Download the form from the municipality's website or the local Housing Desk, and include:
- The completed application form with your details.
- Medical certificates from doctors.
- Proof of your living situation, such as contracts or photos of defects.
- Income and municipal registration proof.
The Municipality of Den Haag decides within 8 weeks (under the General Administrative Law Act). If approved, you receive an urgency declaration for housing associations; find a property within the validity period, or it expires. If denied, appeal within 6 weeks. Due to the workload in Den Haag, processing may take longer— consider assistance from the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag or a rental law attorney.
Rights and Obligations in Den Haag
With urgency, you have the right to priority for social rental housing that meets your medical needs. You can respond directly to vacancies through systems like WoningNet in Den Haag, bypassing the standard waiting list. Obligations include actively searching in a timely manner and honestly reporting changes; misuse can result in revocation. For advice, contact the Legal Aid Office in Den Haag.
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.