Amsterdam city council has voted to legalise flat sharing in the city, abolishing a rule which states that more than two adults can only share a property bigger than 60m2.

Thousands of people in the capital share a house or flat with two or more friends or fellow students, but in many cases this is technically illegal. An estimated 13,000 homes in Amsterdam are shared by more than three adults, many of which are too small to meet council requirements, the Parool said at the weekend.

Some housing corporations, such as Rochdale, have already introduced contracts which allow groups of friends to live together.

The council said in a press release that flat sharing is a realistic option to find an affordable home. The council is planning a major publicity offensive to make landlords aware of the new option.