Younger Expats And Students Locked Out Of Amsterdam Flat-sharing Scheme

Amsterdam’s flat-sharing initiative is now under local government pressure, with housing co-ops saying any action will cut available housing for younger workers and students.

As well as an influx of younger expats and students, young local workers have been taking advantage of the housing association and landlord-operated flat-sharing initiative, as conventional rentals are now too expensive as well as being in short supply.

New plans by the city council will require landlords to be licensed should more than two adult renters plan a flat-share. In addition, limits on rental charges are also to be introduced as are area-based quotas limiting the numbers of rented-out homes. As a result of the new rules and prior to last Wednesday’s council debate, the housing corporation association told local media ‘friends’ contracts’ will no longer be valid. In addition, the association believes the plans to force landlords to upgrade soundproofing and rent room-by-room are also unworkable.

The Wednesday debate was livened by a protest involving hundreds of students, 3,000 of whom have signed a petition demanding a rethink. Newly-arrived younger expats have been told registering at their prospective homes cannot now be done, as none as yet have multi-occupancy licenses. Those already living in prearranged accommodation are being told to move out. Landlords are unhappy and angry about the sudden changes, but no more so than the large number of new, younger expat arrivals who suddenly find themselves homeless.