Housing minister Kajsa Ollongren has published a package of measures to stop people in social housing illegally subletting their homes and which, she says, will make it easier for people on lower incomes to find somewhere to live.

In particular, the maximum fine for people caught illegally renting out social housing will go up four-fold to €83,000 by next July. Between 10% and 20% of the rent-controlled property owned by housing corporations in Amsterdam may be being illegally sublet, the minister said.

In addition, the minister is planning to give local councils the power to both set up an official register for holiday rentals and introduce a compulsory licencing system.

The income level for renting social housing will also change so that more people on lower incomes will qualify. Families with an income of no more than €42,000 will now be eligible for rent-controlled properties, while the ceiling for single people will go down to €35,000. Currently household size has no impact on the income limit.

The new legislation will also make it possible for landlords to either raise or reduce rents in line with the income of the tenant.

The plans, first published earlier this year, have now been put out for consultation.