New SNF Standards Effective July 1, 2025

Stricter requirements for usable floor area (GBO) and sleeping space usage

Effective July 1, 2025, the Stichting Normering Flexwonen (SNF) will implement significant changes to its set of standards. These changes are aimed at improving the quality of housing for migrant workers in two specific situations: new construction sites and hotel/guesthouse locations.

Stricter requirements for usable floor area and bedrooms

The following stricter standards apply to both of the aforementioned housing types:

• Standard 2.2 – Minimum Usable Living Area (GBO):
  Each resident must have at least 15 m² of usable floor area.
• Standard 2.3 – Use of bedrooms:
  A bedroom may be used by no more than one person, unless it has been documented in writing that residents have consciously chosen to share a room. In that case, a maximum of two people per bedroom applies.

New Construction Sites: New Definition in the Standards Set

To implement the new requirements, the term “new construction site” has been added to the set of standards. The revised standards apply only to new construction sites for which the first environmental permit was applied for after July 1, 2025. Locations with a previously submitted permit application are exempt from this requirement. During the annual administrative inspection (standard point 1.1), this must be demonstrated with supporting documentation.

Additional Reporting Requirements Effective July 1, 2025

For both hotel/guesthouse locations and new construction sites, the following applies as of July 1, 2025:

• Additional information must be included on the information card (Appendix 6).
• When entering a location subject to the new standards, additional questions must be answered in the location registry starting July 1, 2025.

What does this mean for your inspections?

Inspectors will specifically check the following at hotel/guesthouse locations and new construction sites:

• Whether the bedroom is actually used by only one person.
• If this is not the case, inspectors will verify the presence of a statement from the occupants indicating that they have voluntarily chosen to share a bedroom.
• Compliance with the minimum usable floor area of 15 m² per person.

Importance of Accurate Registration in Informis

Due to the new standards, accurate registration of housing types in Informis is more important than ever. Appendix 5 of the standard contains an overview of all housing types. Therefore, please verify carefully whether the “hotel/guesthouse” housing type actually applies to your location. Please note: many locations currently registered as “hotel/guesthouse” actually fall under the category of residential units in a building complex. Correct registration prevents misunderstandings during inspections.