Housing Swap Corporation Policy The Hague: rules and procedure
Housing swap corporation policy The Hague regulates the possibilities for tenants of corporations in The Hague to swap their homes with another corporation rental property. Ideal for those who want to move to another neighbourhood such as Schilderswijk, Transvaal or Zuiderpark, are looking for a larger floor, or want to live closer to shops. This article discusses the local policy, legal frameworks and practical steps, with references to District Court of The Hague (Prins Clauslaan 60) and Legal Aid Office The Hague (Lutherse Burgwal 10).
What does housing swap corporation policy in The Hague entail?
In The Hague, corporations such as Haag Wonen, Vestia and Staedion manage thousands of social rental homes. Housing swap allows tenants to exchange homes within the same corporation portfolio, often within the city or surrounding region. This promotes turnover and prevents waiting lists. The specific policy per corporation follows national laws, but with Hague accents such as priority for urgent relocations in Segbroek or Moerwijk.
Corporations have their own housing swap regulations, often updated after 2015, which detail the procedures. Always consult your corporation's website or tenant team for current information.
Legal basis in The Hague
The core laws are:
- Article 7:230 CC: Basis for tenants' rights in swaps.
- Article 3:106 Housing Act: Conditions for swap requests.
- Decree on the granting of subsidies to housing corporations (BSW): Requirements for swap policy.
- Corporation-specific housing swap regulations, accessible via Haag Wonen or Vestia portals.
In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of The Hague (Prins Clauslaan 60) or start at the Legal Aid Office The Hague (Lutherse Burgwal 10) for free advice.
Conditions for housing swap in The Hague
Typical requirements at Hague corporations:
1. Valid corporation tenancy agreement
You must have a fixed tenancy agreement; temporary contracts (see temporary rental) do not qualify.
2. Available swap property
Not all Hague properties qualify, e.g. reserved for status holders in Nieuwleyden, urgent families in Bouwlust or 55+ homes in the Binckhorst.
- Temporary units such as flex homes in Ypenburg.
- Target group-specific subsidies for families with children.
3. Meeting property criteria
Swap properties must fit:
- Size (e.g. 3-bedroom to 4-bedroom in Wateringse Veld).
- Location within The Hague or region.
- Rent price within bandwidth (max. 10-20% difference).
- Extras such as lift or garden.
4. Minimum waiting period
Often 6-24 months in current home, e.g. Haag Wonen applies 12 months. Exceptions for medical necessity or work in The Hague Southwest.
Application procedure
1. Check swap platform (e.g. Ruilwonen.nl or corporation app).
2. Submit joint request with counterparty.
3. Corporation approves after income test and inspection.
4. Transition date within 1-3 months.
Tips and pitfalls
Avoid blacklisting by too many failed swaps. In case of refusal: appeal via corporation and escalation to District Court of The Hague. Contact Legal Aid Office for help.