Court rules man must leave social housing over ownership of two properties

A man living in social housing in Amsterdam must vacate his apartment after a court ruling determined that he owns and rents out two properties. The Amsterdam District Court, in a decision supported by housing corporation Ymere, concluded that his ownership of multiple properties violated the principles of social housing allocation. The ruling could have wider implications for other social housing tenants who own property.

The court’s decision centers on the fact that the man resides in an affordable social rental unit while also owning and renting out two other homes. According to Ymere, this situation deprives potential tenants in need of affordable housing. The housing corporation argued that the man was wrongfully occupying a social housing unit intended for those in greater need, and that he should vacate the apartment. Ymere took the case to court after the man refused to move out, maintaining that he had done nothing wrong by owning property.

According to Ymere, this is the first time a court has ruled on a case like this, underscoring the significance of the decision. The housing corporation noted that this ruling might have broader ramifications for social housing tenants who also own homes. Ymere’s CEO, Erik Gerritsen, remarked that the organization would investigate whether similar situations exist in its other properties and would consider taking further legal action if necessary.

In response to the ruling, Gerritsen made it clear that every social housing unit that becomes available is important for addressing the long wait times of those seeking affordable housing. "Every home that becomes available for someone on the waiting list is a victory. If necessary, we will also reclaim social housing through the courts," he said.