New SNF standards as of 1 July 2025

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

From 1 July 2025, the Flexible Housing Standards Foundation (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-build locations and hotel/guesthouse locations.

Stricter requirements for usable floor space and bedrooms

The following stricter standards apply to both types of accommodation:

• Standard 2.2 – Minimum usable floor space (GBO):

  Each resident must have at least 15 m² of usable floor space.

• Standard 2.3 – Use of bedrooms:

  A bedroom may be used by a maximum of one person, unless it has been agreed in writing that residents consciously choose to share a room. In that case, a maximum of two people per bedroom applies.

New construction sites: new definition in set of standards

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

Additional information requirements as of 1 July 2025

For both hotel/guesthouse locations and new construction locations, the following will apply from 1 July 2025:

• Additional information must be included on the information card (Appendix 6).

• When entering a location that falls under the new standards, additional questions must be answered in the location register from 1 July 2025.

What does this mean for your inspections?

Inspectors will specifically check the following at hotel/guesthouse locations and new-build locations:

• Whether the bedroom is actually used by only one person.

• If this is not the case, a check will be made for the presence of a

  statement from residents indicating that they have voluntarily chosen to share a bedroom.

• Compliance with the minimum usable floor space of 15 m² per person.

Importance of correct registration in Informis

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