The silence surrounding the housing crisis is definitively over. While illuminated tents in Westerpark underscore the harsh reality of rising homelessness, rents in the private sector are soaring to unaffordable heights. This Saturday at 2:00 p.m., thousands of people affected by the crisis will gather at Dam Square for a massive protest: housing must once again become a human right.
The Background of the Housing Protest
The protest on Dam Square didn’t come out of nowhere. This week, more than a hundred illuminated tents were set up in Westerpark to draw attention to the mounting pressure on the housing market. The initiative marked the start of a week of action surrounding World Homeless Day, during which the consequences of the housing shortage were brought to light for a broad group of Amsterdammers, from first-time buyers to single people.
Following in the footsteps of similar initiatives in other European cities, such as Madrid, people looking for housing and tenants are gathering on Dam Square this Saturday. In addition to sending a social message, the day is dedicated to providing information and free support: visitors can receive on-site legal advice regarding rent and practical help with their housing situation.
An Unaffordable Threshold for the City
New figures for the third quarter lay bare the harsh reality of Amsterdam’s housing market. The average rent in the private sector has risen to €1,914 per month. Because landlords almost universally require a gross monthly income of three times the rent, a person looking for housing must now earn at least €5,742 gross per month to even be eligible.
For essential workers such as teachers, nurses, and single people, this is a virtually impossible task. Meanwhile, the supply in the more affordable segment has shrunk by over 23 percent. Without a high income, Amsterdammers are being left out in droves—which is precisely why the free legal consultation hour on Dam Square this Saturday is so desperately needed.
Free advice and information on Dam Square
This Saturday at 2:00 p.m., the “Woonopstand” coalition will gather on Dam Square. The rally will focus on restoring public housing, lowering rents, and abolishing temporary leases. The goal is to reestablish housing as a fundamental right for everyone.
For Amsterdammers who are currently struggling in the housing market, immediate support is available on-site. The tenants’ organization !WOON is present with a mobile information booth. Anyone with questions about excessive rent, unclear service charges, or legal concerns regarding a lease can go there for free professional advice and guidance.
