New rules on social housing

Social housing one of the main pillars

New rules for social housing have come into effect here in Hafnarfjörður, as the allocation is one of the main pillars of social services.

A new chapter has been added to the newly updated regulations.  It concerns the allocation of accommodation for disabled people with long-term support needs, in accordance with the Act on Services for Disabled Persons (No. 38/2018) and the Regulation on Housing Solutions for Disabled Persons (No. 370/2016). The rules have been better defined and clarified.

Change from previous rules:

• You can only apply for one type of housing.
• The provision requiring applicants to have their legal residence in Hafnarfjörður is removed. Applicants are awarded points for having had their legal residence for 12 months or longer.
• A requirement that at least 6 months remain of the validity of the residence permit.
• The applicant must not be a homeowner.
• Provisions for older unpaid rent arrears.
• Tenancy agreements will now be open-ended from the start of the tenancy, whereas they were previously fixed for six months.
• The price per square metre is subject to monthly changes in the Consumer Price Index for indexation.
• A tenant in specialist housing for disabled people shall enter into a separate agreement for the services and support provided.
• Move between tenancies: A detailed inspection of the current tenancy, rent payments and behaviour/complaints.

Prioritisation and allocation:

• Assignment is based on family size, and the physical health of the applicants and their family members.
• A applicant who is allocated accommodation has two days to confirm it, whereas it was previously seven days.
• If an applicant rejects an allocation twice without good reason, the application will be closed.

The Family Council has the authority to grant exemptions from the rules.

• Read the new rules here