Division of living space

All municipalities and landlords in the region follow the same rules for this. These rules are set forth in the Zoetermeer Housing Ordinance 2023. Would you like to learn more about this? Then visit Rules | Woonnet Haaglanden at .

How long have you been registered?

Who gets the apartment depends mainly on how long you've been on the waiting list. The longer you've been on the list, the better your chances. Keep in mind that it may take several years before you get an apartment. This also depends on the type of apartment you're looking for.

Are you leaving a rental property you owned outright in the region when you move? If so, you may count the time you lived there toward your registration period. You may count a maximum of 5 years toward this.

Declaration of urgency

In some cases, you may be given priority over other people looking for housing. To qualify, you’ll need a “declaration of urgency.” This may apply, for example, in the event of a medical emergency, or if your current home is being demolished or renovated.

You can apply for this priority status through the municipality. The organization Het Vierde Huis handles this on behalf of the municipality of Zoetermeer. Would you like to know if you qualify for priority status? If so, please fill out the online questionnaire on the page titled “Social Housing, Urgent Housing Need Certificate.”

Priority Through Local Customization

Each year, housing authorities rent out half of their homes through the “local tailored housing” program. Local tailored housing is intended for people seeking housing in Zoetermeer or the Haaglanden region who fall into certain specified categories. They are given priority over other applicants. Please note: people with an urgent housing need certificate always take priority.

The Woonnet Haaglanden system automatically determines whether you qualify for priority status. You do not need to apply separately for this. However, please make sure your personal information in Woonnet Haaglanden ( ) is correct.

A Leading Role in the Region

Priority rules also apply to people from the rest of the Haaglanden region. These priority rules are also included in the overall percentage for “Local Customization.” This is handled automatically through Woonnet Haaglanden.

Who goes first?

We'll assign the houses in this order:

1. People with an urgent housing need (emergency).
2. People who are given priority through locally or regionally tailored programs.
3. All other applicants. The following rule applies: the person who has been registered or has lived here the longest goes first.

First Responder

Some homes, such as those in the private sector, may also be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The first applicant who meets the requirements will be offered the home. You can search specifically for these homes on Woonnet Haaglanden. You do not always need to be registered with Woonnet Haaglanden to apply for these homes.

Lottery houses

Have you only been registered for a short time? If so, apply for housing allocated by lottery. For these units, the computer selects a winner. Everyone has an equal chance, even if you’ve only just started looking. These are often small units for first-time renters.

Want to know more?

The housing agencies in Zoetermeer (De Goede Woning, Stedelink, and Vidomes) are happy to assist you. They can tell you exactly what options are available in your situation.

You can also find a lot of information on the Woonnet Haaglanden website at . In addition, you can pick up a free information booklet (the Woonwijzer) at one of the housing agencies. You can find their addresses online at www.dgw.nl, , www.stedelink.nl, , and www.vidomes.nl, .