Rules for Social Housing Waiting List in The Hague: your rights and obligations
In **The Hague**, housing associations such as **Hagenaar**, **Staedion** and **Vidomes** manage the **social housing waiting list** for affordable homes. The rules are based on the **Housing Act**, **Housing Supervision Act (Wht)** and **General Administrative Law Act (Awb)**, plus local The Hague policy rules. As a registrant with **Woonnet Rijnmond** (the The Hague housing registration point), you know your position, priorities and options in case of problems.
Social Housing Waiting List in The Hague: how does it work?
The The Hague **social housing waiting list** registers applicants for homes with a **social rent price** (max. €879.66 in 2024). Allocation via **Woonnet Rijnmond** is based on **waiting time**, **income test** and **urgency**. The Hague often prioritises **status holders**, **first-line urgency** (e.g. domestic violence) and families due to the shortage (average 10+ years waiting time).
Local variations: Staedion uses a **rotation system** per neighbourhood; Hagenaar focuses on **upside-down tenants** (long-term residents with too high rent). Check Woonnet Rijnmond for your registration date.
Legal basis The Hague
- Housing Act: Conditions for social rent and housing association roles.
- WHT: Maximum rent and tenant rights.
- AWB: Objection and appeal against allocation decisions.
- The Hague Housing Allocation Ordinance: Local urgency criteria, including for **first-line urgency**.
- Housing association rules: E.g. Staedion policy on staedion.nl.
Prioritisation criteria in The Hague
The Hague housing associations combine:
| Criterion | Explanation The Hague | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting time | Priority from 5-7 years; rotation per postcode area. | 5 years registered via Woonnet? Priority over newcomers. |
| Urgency | First-line (safety risk) or second-line (medical/social). | Victim of domestic violence gets a home within weeks. |
| Income | < €47.699 (2024); test via SVB. | Low income accelerates placement over middle incomes. |
| Binding to The Hague | Min. 5 years living/working in region. | The Hague employee over Randstad addition. |
| Status holder | Priority due to national guarantee (up to 50% urgency places). | Refugees often placed directly. |
Your rights on the The Hague waiting list
You have the right to **transparency**: housing associations must disclose your position and criteria. Maintain **active registration** (annual renewal mandatory). In case of rejection: **objection** within 6 weeks (Awb art. 6:3). **No discrimination** (Constitution art. 1).
Your obligations
Keep address and income **up-to-date** in Woonnet. Respond timely to **offers** (usually 3-5 days). No **false urgency application** (fine possible).
What if the waiting list takes too long?
- Apply for urgency: Via The Hague municipality (domestic violence, medical need). Submit proof at denhaag.nl.
- Objection/appeal: At The Hague District Court, Prins Clauslaan 60. Free help via Juridisch Loket The Hague, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
- Become a tenant: Register with multiple housing associations; check Vidomes for starter homes.
Legal assistance in The Hague
The Hague District Court: Prins Clauslaan 60, for appeals.
Juridisch Loket The Hague: Lutherse Burgwal 10, free advice (Mon-Sat 9-17).
Bring decision letters with you.
Tips to increase your chances
- Register with **Woonnet Rijnmond** and update annually.
- Apply for **every suitable home** (increases score).
- Consider **temporary urgency** or neighbourhoods like Ypenburg.
- Check **income test** via Benefits.