The Netherlands’ biggest housing agency Direct Wonen has lost its licence to operate in Amsterdam after ‘consistently breaking city council rules’.

In particular, Direct Wonen is accused of letting out rent controlled properties at far above the permitted rent levels.
‘Cheap accommodation is scarce in this city and housing agencies have to abide by strict rules,’ said city council housing boss Hans Gerson. ‘Direct Wonen has been warned several times. Now we are taking action.’
Direct Wonen has been listed on the London AIM market since May 2007.
House rents in the Netherlands are calculated according to a point system, with flats and houses awarded points for size, location, age, basic facilities and extras. All those valued at less than 121 points fall into the social housing sector and have a maximum rent of €548.