Bewoners

Information for residents

Stichting Normering Flexwonen

Stichting Normering Flexwonen manages the register of organisations that meet the housing standard for labour migrants and enforces this standard at the same time. Organisations that offer housing to labour migrants have the possibility to obtain the SNF certificate. To do so, they must meet the housing standard for labour migrants. Housing locations of organisations that register with the foundation are checked annually. If the quality of the housing proves to be insufficient, the company must improve it. If the organisation does not manage to rectify the situation in the short term, the company is removed from the SNF register.

The aim is to give parties involved in the housing of labour migrants - municipalities, employers, employees, local residents - certainty that the housing of labour migrants is adequate.

Every year these organisations undergo an administrative inspection to check whether all locations have been registered with SNF and whether the requirements of good employment practices and supervision and management have been met. During the year, all locations for which the organisation itself is responsible (First Responsible) are inspected for compliance with all SNF standards. The standard includes the components space and privacy, sanitary facilities, safety and hygiene, facilities, information provision, fire safety, supervision and management. Each part consists of a number of specific requirements that the accommodation must meet.

The Standard

The standard includes the components occupancy, space, daylight and heating, sanitation, hygiene, facilities, safety, fire safety, maintenance and management, supervision and management and information facilities and other requirements.

Each category consists of a number of specific requirements that the property must fulfil.

Below is an overview of the most important standards:

Download the set of standards

1. Occupation:

  • The inspection checks whether the actual capacity corresponds to what is shown in the records.
  • If the inspector finds closed bedrooms, he should re-inspect the site.

2. Space, daylight and heating:

  • Occupants have at least 10.0 m2 of usable living space per person. Occupants of a regular house and residential units have a minimum of 12.0 m2 usable floor area for living. This also applies to residential units when the zoning is 'residential'. This includes 3.5 m2 sleeping area per person.
  • All facilities (sanitary facilities, kitchen, bedroom and living room or relaxation area) should be under one roof.
  • For all types of accommodation, a bed with a mattress of at least 80*200 cm and a chair is available for each resident in the sleeping area. A double bed should be at least 160*200cm
  • It must be possible to heat living quarters.

3. Sanitary facilities

  • There is at least one toilet per 8 persons.
  • There is at least one shower for every 8 people.

4. Hygiene

  • Hygiene in and around the residential premises does not constitute a danger to public health.
  • There is a sound and demonstrably maintained mechanical installation or natural ventilation, in combination with sufficient ventilation.
  • There is no mould in the bathrooms, kitchens and/or other rooms.
  • There must be sufficient opportunity to do the laundry or have it done.
  • Outside your own bedroom there must be sufficient opportunity to dry the laundry.

5. Facilities

  • Refrigerator(s), 30 litres cooling/freezing space per person
  • Hob / Hobs
    • At least 4 hobs
    • With more than 8 people 1 hob per 2 people
    • With more than 30 persons, at least 16 hobs
  • Hob / hobs in studios for up to 2 residents, at least 2 hobs plus microwave or oven must be present.

6. Safety

  • There is no visible overloading of the power network and no loose power cables
  • There must be a residual current circuit breaker and automatic or melting fuse in the meter cupboard.
  • At least 1 wall socket is available for each resident
  • The lighting and power supply in wet rooms is splashproof and suitable for use in wet rooms
  • There are no circumstances that can lead to danger or injury to persons
  • CV, gas heater and geyser must be demonstrably checked every two years

7. Fire safety - measures in the dwelling

  • There is a total of 6 litres / 6 kilograms of extinguishing agent available
  • There is a fire extinguisher of at least 2 litres / 2 kilograms within 5 metres of every cooking facility
  • There is an instruction for use on each fire extinguisher
  • There is a fire blanket at every cooking facility
  • CO detectors and smoke detectors are in place and working.
  • If a central fire alarm system is present, it must be inspected annually

8. Maintenance and Management

  • Maintenance must be carried out on defective items

9. Monitoring and management

  • Residents can call on an administrator 24/7 in case of emergencies
  • Residents are free to receive unannounced visits at the location as well

10. Information provision and other requirements

  • There should be an information card posted in a central place.
  • The card is in English or German or in the national language of the resident and contains at least
    • Maximum capacity (in number of beds)
    • QR codes with link to SNF pages in English
    • Text prescribed by SNF
    • Space for sticker
  • The telephone numbers of:
    • Administrator / landlord contact (available 24/7)
    • Regional Police
    • Fire brigade
    • 112 (in life-threatening situations)

And

  • Shortened house and living rules in residents' language
  • Evacuation plan and emergency procedure

Additional information about working and living in the Netherlands

When you come to work and live in the Netherlands, you have a lot to deal with. On the WorkInNL website you will find an explanation of your rights and obligations, what you need to arrange and what agreements you need to make. In this way you will be helped to live and work here safely, healthily and fairly. This website also offers a collection of the appropriate agencies that can help you with your questions.