Housing Swap Corporation Policy Utrecht: rules and procedure
Housing swap corporation policy in Utrecht regulates the possibilities for tenants of corporations such as Portaal, Bo-Ex or De Alliantie to swap their social rental housing with another property within the same landlord's portfolio. Ideal for those in Utrecht who prefer a different neighborhood, such as from Overvecht to Kanaleneiland, are looking for a larger apartment, or want to live closer to the city center. This article discusses the Utrecht corporation policy, local rules, and how to apply for a successful swap with the District Court Midden-Nederland (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1) if necessary.
What does housing swap corporation policy in Utrecht entail?
In Utrecht, tenants can swap their homes within one landlord's housing stock via corporation policy, often limited to the municipality of Utrecht or adjacent neighborhoods. Corporations such as Portaal offer flexible swap options within Utrecht, while others impose stricter boundaries. The goal: better flow on the Utrecht housing market without changing landlords.
Each corporation has its own housing swap regulation, often updated after 2015, based on the Tenancy Act and Housing Act. Check the regulation on your corporation's website or via the Legal Aid Office Utrecht (Catharijnesingel 55).
Legal basis in Utrecht
The core of the policy is based on:
- Article 7:230 CC: regulates tenant rights including swap options.
- Article 3:106 Tenancy Act: conditions for swap requests.
- Decree on subsidy granting to housing corporations (BSW): requires corporations to have a swap regulation.
- Corporation-specific regulation, e.g., Portaal's Utrecht housing swap protocol.
Conditions for housing swap in Utrecht
Typical requirements at Utrecht corporations:
1. Active tenancy agreement with the corporation
You need a fixed tenancy agreement; temporary contracts (often for starters in Utrecht) do not qualify.
2. Available swap property
Not all Utrecht corporation properties are swappable, excluded inter alia:
- Properties for status holders in neighborhoods such as Lombok or Wittevrouwen.
- Student or flex properties near Utrecht University.
- Target group-specific homes for seniors in Zuilen or low-income families.
3. Meeting housing swap requirements
The swap property must fit corporation standards, such as:
- Suitable size (e.g., 3-bedroom for family).
- Within Utrecht or surrounding region.
- Comparable rent price (max. 10-15% difference often allowed).
- Available bicycle storage or garden in Utrecht context.
4. Minimum occupancy period
Corporations often require 1-2 years of occupancy, e.g., Portaal applies 12 months in Utrecht. Inquire with your landlord.
Application procedure in Utrecht
1. Find a swap partner via corporation platform or Utrechtse Huislijn.
2. Submit joint request to the corporation.
3. Corporation checks income, payment behavior, and property condition (home visit possible).
4. Approval within 4-8 weeks; objection possible with District Court Midden-Nederland.
Tips and pitfalls
Avoid illegal swapping; corporations screen for fraud. In disputes: free advice at Legal Aid Office Utrecht. Unique in Utrecht: urgent swaps for medical reasons receive priority from corporations.