Liveable and safe neighborhoods

Kerkrade takes steps toward livable and safe neighborhoods

The municipality of Kerkrade is actively committed to improving the quality of life and safety in its neighborhoods. To this end, the municipality has submitted an application for the Special Measures for Metropolitan Problems Act (Wbmgp). If everything goes according to plan, this act will come into force on July 1, 2026. From that moment on, a housing permit will be required to live in a Wbmgp area.
 

Aerial photo of new construction Rolduckerveld

What is the Wbmgp?

The Wbmgp, also known as the 'Rotterdam Act' or 'Parkstad Act', is a law that municipalities can use when the quality of life in a neighborhood is under pressure. 

With this law, Kerkrade can:

  • set additional rules for the allocation of housing;
  • ensuring greater balance and stability in neighborhoods.

What is a housing permit?

A housing permit is a permit that may be required to live in a home in a designated area. If the Wbmgp is introduced, the municipality may decide:

  • make a housing permit mandatory for certain dwellings;
  • Requirements be attached to this permit, such as income or residential history.

Important: the housing permit is not yet in effect. The Parkstad Act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

The municipality of Kerkrade will inform residents in good time about all the steps and rules as soon as the law is introduced.
This means you will receive clear information in advance about what this means for you.

Which neighborhoods does the application concern?

The application applies to the following neighborhoods:

  • Heilust
  • Bare Heath
  • Bleijerheide
  • Erenstein
  • Rolduckerveld
  • Nulland
     

Which streets and complexes does the application concern?

The application applies to the following streets and residential complexes:

Streets

  • Schleiden Street
  • Honee Street
  • Number II Street
  • New Street
  • Melchior Street
  • Mayor Savelberg Avenue
  • Franck Street
  • Mucherveld Street
  • Lempers Street
  • Chicken Street
  • Quodbachlaan Blanket
  • St. Peter Street
  • Aker Street

Residential complexes

  • Newenhager Road
  • Willem Alexander Street
  • Waubacher Road
  • St. Pieter Street – Akkerheide
     

What does this mean for the people who currently live in these neighborhoods?

Nothing is changing at the moment. The municipality has received approval for its application from the ministry. The aim is to implement the law on July 1, 2026. From that moment on, rules will apply to renting a home in a Wbmgp area. 

What rules will apply from July 1, 2026?

You can rent a home in an area where the Parkstad Act applies if you:

  • has lived in the Parkstad region for more than 6 consecutive years or
  • has an income, for example from:
    • work
    • one's own company
    • retirement, early retirement, or state pension
    • student financing

And:

  • you receive a positive recommendation from the police check

If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be able to rent a home in these areas.
However, you can respond to listings in other parts of Kerkrade where the Parkstad Act does not apply.

Where can I go with questions?

You can contact the municipality of Kerkrade via gemeentehuis@kerkrade.nl or 14 045.