What Does Appropriate Allocation Mean?
Appropriate allocation is a statutory rule that obliges housing associations in Utrecht to offer households entitled to rent allowance a property that matches their financial situation. This ensures that people with limited income do not end up in overly expensive homes.
Criteria for Appropriate Allocation
| Target Group | Maximum Rent Price | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Income below rent allowance threshold | Capping limit | €647.19 or €695.13, depending on household size |
| Income above rent allowance threshold | Up to liberalisation limit | No obligation for appropriateness |
| Singles under 23 years | €454.47 | Specific lower limit for young people |
Capping Limits for 2024
For households eligible to apply for rent allowance in Utrecht:
- 1-2 persons: Maximum €647.19
- 3 or more persons: Maximum €695.13
- Young people under 23 years: Maximum €454.47
Exceptions to the Rule
When Can a Deviation Occur?
In Utrecht, deviation from the rules is permitted in a maximum of 5% of cases:
- In the absence of a suitable property
- In cases of exceptional circumstances
- To promote mobility
Income Registration
Upon allocation of a property in Utrecht, the housing association requests an income statement:
- This can be requested via MijnOverheid
- Based on income from two years ago
- If the current income is lower, it can be taken into account
What if My Income Increases?
After allocation of a property in Utrecht:
- You do not have to vacate your property
- The rent increase may be higher (depending on income)
- If income rises sharply, rent allowance may cease
I earn just above the threshold. Can I still get social housing in Utrecht?
In some cases yes, thanks to a 5% margin and any specific arrangements for middle-income earners in Utrecht.
Does the income of my live-in child count?
No, only the income of yourself and your partner is taken into account.
What if my income decreases after rejection?
You can reapply for a property with a recent income statement in Utrecht.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting in Utrecht
What are my tenant rights in Utrecht?
As a tenant in Utrecht, you are entitled to a safe home, protection against unreasonable rent increases, and the option to take action if the property is uninhabitable.
Can my landlord increase the rent arbitrarily?
No, in Utrecht rent increases are subject to legislation. The landlord must notify this in writing at least two months in advance and may not exceed the statutory limit.
What happens to my deposit in Utrecht?
The deposit is deposited by the landlord into an account and must be refunded within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, provided there is no damage.
How do I terminate my tenancy in Utrecht?
You can terminate the tenancy according to the notice period in your contract, usually in writing, via the landlord or housing association in Utrecht.
What do I do if the property is in poor condition?
Report the issues in writing to the landlord. If no action is taken within a reasonable period, you can have repairs carried out yourself and deduct the costs from the rent.
Practical Information for Utrecht
For legal assistance, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht, located at Catharijnesingel 55. For court cases on tenancy matters, the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, is the designated location.