Social housing, declaration of urgency

Do you need to move urgently? You may be able to obtain a declaration of urgency. This is also known as a priority declaration. With this declaration, you have priority over other people looking for public housing.

The declaration of urgency is for emergencies only

If you receive a priority housing certificate, it will take others longer to find a home. For this reason, you will only receive a priority housing certificate if your current living situation is causing significant medical or social disruption—or if it is even dangerous. Common reasons include:

  • Your home has been declared uninhabitable.
  • After a serious accident, you will never be able to climb the stairs to your apartment building again.
  • There is domestic violence or an unsafe living situation.
  • You need to live closer because you're providing informal care.

What you need to know

What You Can Do with the Urgent Need Declaration

  • An urgent care certificate is valid for 3 months.
  • The priority declaration applies to housing listings on Woonnet Haaglanden.
  • You have priority over townhouses and apartment buildings (with or without an elevator)
  • Your priority statement specifies exactly which types of housing you are eligible to apply for.

Moving Because of Informal Care?

Would you like to obtain a certificate of urgent need so that you can move to Zoetermeer because you are providing informal care? If so, please first apply to us for a certificate of informal care.

Apply 

WoningNet handles urgent housing applications for the municipality of Zoetermeer. They’ll first help you determine whether you’re eligible.

Follow these steps:

  1. Fill out WoningNet’s free Urgency Guide at . That way, you’ll quickly know whether it’s worth submitting an application.
  2. Schedule a free “eligibility consultation” with Woningnet. This is a phone call to discuss your situation. You’ll learn how likely it is that you’ll be granted urgent housing status. You’ll also find out how the process works and what documents you need to submit.
  3. Submit a final application for priority housing through Woningnet. This step involves a fee. You must pay before submitting the application. You will not be refunded if your application is denied.

Always apply for your own urgent housing certificate!

There are organizations online that offer to handle the urgency declaration for you. Don't do this! It takes just as long, but you'll end up paying extra.

Costs

Applying for a declaration of urgent housing need costs€66.01.

How long will it take?

  • Is your application complete? If so, you will receive an email from Woningnet within 10 weeks. It will contain a link that allows you to download the letter with your decision. That letter will state whether or not you have been granted the priority status.
  • Is your application incomplete? If so, it may take longer. Sometimes you'll need to undergo a medical examination first. You'll receive an email about this.