DUWO aims to provide a home for every student. The current system of “hospiteren” – where current tenants have full control over who becomes their new roommate – unintentionally excludes many prospective tenants. Students without a strong social network, limited access to information, or no connection to certain associations have significantly less chance of finding a room. The lack of transparency and centralized information also leads to undesirable practices such as "mock interviews," offering money in exchange for rooms, and even scams on social media.
More transparent and equal
DUWO therefore wants to list all rooms with shared facilities on the national housing platform ROOM.nl. This makes them visible and accessible to everyone. Based on the responses to a room listing, a pre-selection will be made. The aim is to then give current tenants the freedom to choose their new roommate from the shortlisted candidates.
“We believe it’s important that every student has an equal chance at a comfortable place to live, regardless of their background, origin, or who they know,” says Anneleen Lagae, Chair of the Executive Board at DUWO. “With this new policy, we want to ensure equal access and social cohesion go hand in hand.”
Shaping it together
DUWO will further develop the new policy this year in collaboration with tenant organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, and student associations. Organizations that consider themselves stakeholders in this topic are welcome to reach out to us. The revised policy is expected to be implemented in 2026. This will be a learning process in which we adjust along the way, until we achieve a transparent and equitable roommate selection system.
