If you wish to use subsidized housing for your own purposes, leave it vacant for more than three months, or use it for purposes other than residential, you must obtain a permit. This permit is granted under certain conditions.

A permit for personal use may be granted if the authorized user personally meets the requirements for obtaining a housing eligibility certificate. See also the description under “ Issuance of a Housing Eligibility Certificate.”

Permission to leave a unit vacant for more than three months may be granted for two reasons: first, if renovation or modernization is to be carried out; and second, if it is not possible to rent out the unit and even an exemption from occupancy and rent controls would not result in a lease.

Permission to use the living space for purposes other than residential use may only be granted if there is an overriding legitimate public or private interest; the competent authority decides in this matter at its discretion. It may require appropriate financial compensation or the imposition of restrictions on other residential space of equal total value.

The application for permission to use the subsidized housing for personal use should be submitted before moving in.

The application for permission to leave the unit vacant should be submitted as soon as it becomes apparent that the subsidized rental unit will remain vacant for more than three months.

The application for permission to use the dwelling for purposes other than residential use should be submitted before the dwelling is used for non-residential purposes.

There are no fees or costs involved.

However, the granting of an exemption for non-residential use may, among other things, be contingent upon the payment of a fee.