Getting a handle on housing

Control over housing through the Parkstad Act and accelerated housing construction

We build new homes, improve existing homes, and, where necessary, introduce additional rules for renting and letting. In this way, we create neighborhoods where everyone feels at home, enjoys living, and wants to stay.

How can we get a grip on housing?

For a healthy neighborhood, it is important that there are all types of housing and that people with different incomes and levels of education live together. This strengthens our neighborhoods, education, the economy, and opportunities for future generations. The municipality wants to achieve this with three housing pillars:

Investing

There are many affordable homes, but not enough in the mid-range and higher-end segments. That is why the city wants to accelerate the construction of new and more diverse types of housing. This will help prevent residents of Heerlen from moving away. It will also make it easier for professionals to find suitable housing.

Learn more about our construction plans

Cherish

By investing in neighborhoods and implementing the Parkstad Act, we retain our residents and talent. Workers, young people, and key professionals are given the opportunity to continue living in Heerlen. People in key professions stay in the city and help ensure that it remains strong.

Regulate

We are working to improve the balance in our neighborhoods and are therefore providing additional guidance in some of them. The Parkstad Act is one of the tools we use to achieve this. It allows the municipality Requirements additional Requirements on renting or leasing homes. This helps ensure that neighborhoods remain livable and pleasant places to live.

What is the Parkstad Act?

The Parkstad Act is the nickname for the Act on Special Measures for Metropolitan Problems (Wbmgp). This act allows the municipality Requirements additional Requirements on who may rent or let a rental property in certain neighborhoods. This keeps the neighborhood in balance and prevents problems from escalating. This act applies:

only for designated neighborhoods and streets in Heerlen
only for rental properties

The law will take effect on January 1, 2026.

When is a permit required?

New tenants in a Parkstadwet neighborhood require a housing permit.
Did you already live there before January 2026? Then nothing will change.
Landlords sometimes need a landlord's license.

See also the pages on renting and letting and buying.

Questions?

Do you have any questions or need assistance? Please contact the municipality or send an email to parkstadwet@heerlen.nl.

Park City neighborhoods

Check the Map to see Map which neighborhoods and streets the Parkstad Act applies.