As a tenant of social housing, you are obligated to use this property as your primary residence. But what exactly does that mean? Are there legal requirements for how long you must live in your home? In this article, we explain what's expected of you and the risks involved in a long-term absence.
Main residence: What does it mean?
Primary residence means you use the social housing unit as your primary residence. This means you spend most of your time there and conduct your personal and business activities from there. Your registration in the Personal Records Database (BRP) must also match the address of the rental property.
Are there legal requirements regarding the length of stay?
Although the law doesn't stipulate a specific minimum length of stay, many housing associations stipulate requirements for the principal residence in their lease agreements. It's often expected that you won't be absent for more than two months without notifying the landlord in advance. This is considered a reasonable period for, for example, vacations or medical treatment.
What happens in case of long-term absence?
Prolonged absence without a valid reason or permission may be considered a breach of the lease agreement by the landlord. This can lead to:
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Warnings from the landlord.
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Termination of the lease agreement through legal proceedings.
Your rights and obligations
It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. These often specify how the landlord handles primary residence and long-term absences.
Do you have a legitimate reason for an extended absence, such as work abroad or a long hospital stay? Please inform your landlord promptly. In many cases, a solution can be found through consultation.
Conclusion
There's no legal minimum length of stay for social housing, but your lease likely contains provisions regarding your primary residence. Make sure you actually use the property as your primary residence and always report any extended absences to your landlord. This prevents unnecessary conflicts and potential termination of your lease.
Do you have questions about your rights and obligations as a tenant? Contact a legal advisor or consult a legal aid clinic for more information.
