News of: Thursday, February 10 2005,
Several illegal housing agencies have been closed down by the police.
The agencies intermediate for long term accommodation in Amsterdam, many of the properties being regulated under social housing law.
Since there is a shortage of cheap accommodation, the city tries to maintain the housing laws strictly.
The official tenants can make a profit on their properties, while others have to be on the waiting lists, sometimes for many years.
The city of Amsterdam wants to give a signal that this practice must end, and has set up a cooperation with the police to track down the unlicensed agencies. It is expected that hundreds of dwellings may become available.
The police have raided several buildings and have seized administrations, a gun, drugs, cars and cash money.
The official tenants may be prosecuted for breaking the law and the unofficial tenants may be evicted.
