Report vacant property

Has your home or property been vacant for more than six months in one of the designated neighborhoods? If so, you must report this to the municipality. Together, we will look at options for reusing the property, for example by renting it out or allowing it to be temporarily occupied. If this is not possible, the municipality may designate someone to use the property.

Approach

Would you like to report a vacant property? Please call us. We will send you the form by mail or email.

  • Check whether your property is located in the designated neighborhood
  • Report the vacancy to the municipality no later than 6 months (from January 1, 2026).
  • After you have submitted your report, we will invite you for an interview.

Description

The municipality of Heerlen wants to find a suitable use for vacant properties as quickly as possible. By tackling vacancy, we strengthen the image and safety of the neighborhood. Has your home or building been vacant for more than 6 months? Then you must report this. Together, we will then look for a suitable solution, such as renting it out or transforming it. If you do not cooperate, the municipality may take measures, such as appointing a user or imposing a penalty. Would you like more information? Then send an email to the municipality: leegstand@heerlen.nl or call: 045-5605040.

Requirements

The rules apply to owners of homes and buildings that have been vacant for more than 6 months and are located in the following neighborhoods:
  • Bekker Field
  • Burettestraat and surrounding area
  • The Dem and its surroundings
  • The Koumen
  • Douve Weien
  • Grassbroek
  • Heerlen-Center
  • Hoensbroek - Center
  • Hoppers Dig
  • Lindeveld
  • Maria Gewanden
  • Mariarade North
  • Mariarade-South
  • Meezenbroek
  • Musschemig
  • New End
  • At the Nobel
  • Palemig
  • Pronsebroek
  • 't Loon
  • Ten Esschen
  • Terschuren
  • Uterweg
  • Versiliënbosch
  • Scattered Houses
  • Vrieheide
  • Weggebekker
  • Welten Village

Term

  • Within 6 months of vacancy: report vacancy to the municipality.
  • Within 3 months of reporting vacancy: discussion with the municipality about a solution. 
  • After consultation with the municipality, the municipality can decide what needs to be done to the building in order to be able to use it again.
  • After 12 months of vacancy and no solution found: the municipality initiates a measure, such as designating a user.

Objections and appeals

If you disagree with a decision made by the municipality (for example, a penalty payment or a designation decision), you can lodge an objection. If you disagree with the outcome, you can appeal to the Limburg District Court.

Call: 045-5605040