LSVb: make home-splitting easier

Due to higher taxes and stricter regulations, student rooms are being put up for sale en masse. There is currently a shortage of over 20,000 rooms, and this is expected to increase further in the coming years.

The local council elections have just ended and the parties are negotiating a new coalition. The housing crisis is a key issue. The National Student Union LSVb has conducted research into fifteen student cities to lend a hand. “We’ve examined the situation and compiled the findings; all parties are welcome to make use of this,” says LSVb chair Maaike Krom.

This is how it works in Delft

What are the rules in Delft according to the LSVb report? Subletting rooms is strictly limited in Delft and is only possible with a licence. In some cases, it is permitted in specific properties, such as above shops or catering establishments. Furthermore, the landlord must pass a liveability assessment: the property and the neighbourhood must not become less liveable as a result of letting out rooms. Each room must have a minimum usable floor area of 20 square metres. The building must comply with noise standards. There must be a manager responsible for hygiene and safety. And new-build properties may not be converted into rooms.

The students’ union is recommending a number of relaxations to the rules

According to the LSVb, strict regulations are holding back the creation of student accommodation. “Some local authorities are over-regulating, which means no new rooms are being added,” says Krom. For instance, you cannot simply set up a student house; this is only permitted if the landlord has a licence.

The student union is recommending several relaxations. For example, local authorities could make it easier to rent out living spaces above restaurants and shops to students; families are less keen to live there anyway, so this could prevent properties from standing empty.

In groups of three

In addition, the LSVb wants to make it easier for small groups of students to rent a house together. In municipalities such as Utrecht and Arnhem, the rules have already been relaxed and three students are allowed to live together without the landlord needing a permit, but in many other cities – such as Delft – this is only permitted for a maximum of two.

The House of Representatives also sees opportunities and wants to investigate whether the Utrecht rules can be introduced nationwide. A motion on this subject by D66 MP Robin van Leijen was unanimously adopted earlier this month.

HOP, Naomi Bergshoeff