How does an affordable housing permit work

Do I need a permit?

See if you need a permit and if you are eligible for the rental property based on your income.

Rent up to € 737.14 per month:

• Yes, a permit is required for a self-contained residence.
• Are you renting a property in the social housing sector? Then the housing corporation will apply for the permit on your behalf. You do not need to do anything.
• Does the rental property belong to a private individual? Then you apply for the permit yourself.
• You will be assessed according to your income, the size of the property and the size of your household.

Rent above € 737.14 per month:

• Yes, a permit is required if the self-contained residence is valued at 185 points or less according to the rental valuation system (this is approximately equal to a rent below € 950).
• You apply for the permit yourself.
• You will be assessed according to your income.

Is the rent valued at more than 185 points? Then you do not have to apply for a permit.

Conditions

Rent up to € 737.14 per month (amount as of 1 January 2020):

• You are 18 years or older.
• You and the members of your household have Dutch nationality or a valid residence permit for the Netherlands.
• You can get an affordable housing permit for a maximum of 1 rental property.
• The rental property must have at least 12 square metres of usable area per person.
• Is the residential property larger than 80 square metres (living space)? Then at least 3 people must be living there.
• The total taxable annual income of your household is € 47,325 or less per year.

Rent between € 737.14 and € 951.19 per month. Or rental properties which have 185 points or less with a rent above € 737.14:

• You are 18 years or older.
• You and the members of your household have Dutch nationality or a valid residence permit for the Netherlands.
• Will you be living alone? Then your taxable annual income is less than € 58,583 per year (amount as of 1 January 2020).
• Are there 2 or more people in your household? Then your taxable annual income is less than € 68,583 per year (amount as of 1 January 2020).

Needed for the application

When you apply for an affordable housing permit, you will need a number of documents. The documents you need depend on your personal situation:

• Proof of income:

  • A recent proof of income for yourself and (if applicable) the other members of your household. Recent means: from the last 3 months. This can be the salary slip from your employer or the monthly statement from your benefits agency or pension provider.
  • Are you coming from abroad and have you not yet worked in the Netherlands? Then you need a copy of a working arrangement or a proof-of-employment statement indicating your income.
  • Are you a self-employed entrepreneur? Then you need a statement from your bookkeeper or accountant. The statement must contain your present taxable annual income and the financial statement for the current year. In addition you have to submit an extract from the Chamber of Commerce about your business. Did you start up a company in the last 3 months? Then it is sufficient to submit only an extract.
• A copy of the rental contract, signed by the tenant and the landlord. Or written permission from the landlord that you will be living in the rental property. Will you be living in the rental property but is the rental contract in somebody else's name (for example, your employer or parents)? Provide a brief explanation why the contract is not in your name. Include your explanation with the landlord's statement.

You have another nationality

If you do not have Dutch nationality, you need to include a copy of a valid residence permit for the Netherlands.

Are you a citizen of a European Union (EU) country and you are not registered as a resident of the Netherlands? Then you need to include a copy of your proof of identity in the application.

You are a student

Are you a student and do you not have any earnings from work or benefits? Send a copy of your registration as a full-time student.

You are divorced

Is your rent € 737.14 or less per month, are you divorced and do you have children under the age of 18? Then you need a copy of the temporary separation arrangement or another legally valid document demonstrating how the custody or guardianship of the children has been arranged. This document must also show your current place of residence.

https://www.denhaag.nl/en/permits-and-exemptions/residential-permits/affordable-housing-permit.htm