Waiting Lists and Lotteries for Renters in the Netherlands

What are waiting lists and lotteries?

Waiting lists and lotteries are methods used to allocate social and in-demand rental homes. Waiting lists rank applicants based on registration date or the housing corporation's criteria; lotteries randomly select candidates when applications exceed available homes. The rules on allocation and tenants' rights are set out in the Civil Code Book 7 and in the practices of corporations and landlords.^[1]

What can you do as a renter?

As a renter or housing applicant it is important to actively check and document. Follow these steps to improve your chances and to protect your position if you are rejected.

• Check your registration status and the conditions of the housing corporation or landlord.
• Keep evidence: emails, responses, screenshots and correspondence about your registration and lottery.
• Contact the landlord or corporation for explanations or to correct misunderstandings.
• Submit a formal objection or request if you believe you were treated incorrectly; use written forms or email.
• For disputes you can involve the Rent Tribunal or the court to assess rights and obligations.^[2]

Maintenance and small repairs during waiting periods

Your place on a waiting list does not change the landlord's duty to keep the home in good condition. Small repairs that affect habitability should be reported and handled promptly; keep reports as evidence in case maintenance becomes disputed.

Procedures and where to go

For questions about allocation, lotteries and complaints you can contact housing corporations and the Rent Tribunal directly. The Rent Tribunal handles many disputes about service charges, rental conditions and other tenancy matters and provides guidance on appeal procedures.^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a housing corporation use a lottery for social housing?

Yes. Corporations may use a lottery when there are more suitable candidates than homes, provided the procedure is transparent and non-discriminatory.

What can I do if I am unfairly excluded?

Request written explanation of the exclusion, collect evidence and file an objection with the landlord; if unclear, you can involve the Rent Tribunal or seek legal help.

Does a waiting list affect maintenance rights?

No. Your rights to timely maintenance remain regardless of your waiting list position; report defects and keep all communication as evidence.

Step-by-step plan

1. Check your registration details and the corporation's eligibility criteria.
2. Collect and organize all communication, reports and evidence about your registration and any rejection.
3. Contact the landlord or corporation and request written clarification if something is unclear.
4. File a formal objection or complaint with the landlord; if that does not help, contact the Rent Tribunal for advice or assessment.
5. Consider legal action or the subdistrict court if the matter escalates and you want to enforce your rights.

Key tips

• Keep all documents and dates in one overview so you can quickly provide evidence.
• Respond to official letters within stated deadlines to avoid missing procedures.

Help and support

• Huurcommissie - information and forms
• Wetten.nl - Civil Code Book 7 (Tenancy Law)
• Government.nl - information about housing

1. [1] Wetten.nl — Civil Code Book 7 (Tenancy Law)
2. [2] Huurcommissie — official information and complaint procedure
3. [3] Government.nl — information about housing