Illegal Subletting of Social Housing Triggers Political Outrage in the Netherlands
Undercover investigation reveals dozens of status holders illegally renting out social housing; Groningen PVV and Minister Keijzer demand action as housing corporations struggle to enforce rules.
A recent undercover investigation by Algemeen Dagblad (AD) has revealed that dozens of legal refugees in the Netherlands are illegally subletting social housing, often for large profits. These homes, granted with priority status through refugee protections, are being rented out without permission, raising concerns about fairness and the misuse of public resources.
Subletting for Profit: “It’s a really good location”
The investigation uncovered cases where status holders rented out rooms or entire homes via social media platforms, particularly Arabic-language Facebook groups. In Amsterdam, a young Syrian man was found subletting a €700/month studio from housing corporation Ymere for €1,500/month. He admitted to living elsewhere with his wife, who also had her own social housing unit.
In Maassluis, a Syrian refugee living alone in a three-bedroom flat offered one room for €500 a month, stating that he was rarely home due to his studies. Others across the Randstad offered similar deals. In Delfshaven, Rotterdam, a man offered a shared bedroom for €400/month, while in Capelle aan den IJssel, a woman rented out two of her four bedrooms and tried to rent a third.
Most landlords admitted to needing extra income. Some supplemented government welfare with undeclared jobs, while others planned to rent out their homes while travelling abroad.
A System Under Pressure
The homes in question were assigned through a system designed to support the integration of refugees. After receiving legal residency, status holders receive priority for social housing, allowing them to bypass years-long waiting lists.
However, housing corporations have warned that illegal subletting is becoming the most common form of housing fraud. Havensteder, a Rotterdam-based housing company, suspects that up to 10% of its social housing units are sublet, sometimes to undocumented workers or other individuals outside the tenant agreement.
AD investigators contacted nearly 30 such landlords, confirming several offers through on-site visits. None had permission to sublet, and most had no intention of stopping.
Political Outrage and Local Response
The findings triggered political backlash. In Groningen, the PVV party called on the municipal council to investigate the extent of the problem locally. “Housing is scarce. It is unacceptable to exploit this crisis for personal gain, especially after receiving priority access,” said party leader Kelly Blauw.
The PVV asked the city council to provide data on subletting, assess financial losses, and consider actions like terminating rental contracts and reclaiming funds in cooperation with housing corporations.
Minister Keijzer: “Taxpayer money from all of us”
Nationally, outgoing Housing and Asylum Minister Mona Keijzer described the situation as “completely reprehensible.” She emphasised that social housing is heavily subsidised by public funds and is meant for people who need it, not as a means to make money.
“It’s already unfair that many people wait 10 years for a house. But if someone receives a home through priority and immediately rents it out, that’s a betrayal of public trust,” she stated. Keijzer is drafting a law to end automatic housing priority for refugees, saying the current model is no longer defensible.
Enforcement Difficulties
Housing corporations acknowledge the challenge. Most illegal sublets go unnoticed unless neighbours report suspicious activity. In 2024, Ymere reported 309 confirmed cases of housing fraud—an increase from the previous year. Some corporations now conduct house visits shortly after move-ins to verify actual occupancy.
When subletting is confirmed, tenants are warned to stop. If they refuse, legal action follows, often resulting in eviction. “If you make money off it, we’ll take you to court,” Ymere told AD.
A Broader Crisis
Since 2015, more than 240,000 legal refugees have been housed in the Netherlands. Although it’s unclear how many are subletting, the cases confirmed by AD span multiple cities and regions—from Drenthe to Zuid-Limburg—highlighting a national problem.
As pressure mounts on the Dutch housing system, both local and national officials are being urged to close loopholes and enforce existing laws. While some call for reforms to the priority allocation system, others emphasise the need for better monitoring and community awareness to prevent abuse.