SNF further tightens housing standards as of 1 October 2026

Stichting Normering Flexwonen (SNF) is taking another step towards improving housing conditions for migrant workers. As of 1 October 2026, stricter standards will come into effect, further implementing the recommendations of the Roemer Committee. For employers and employment agencies in sectors that work extensively with international employees, this is an important moment to review their current housing locations. As a regional employment agency for these sectors, Opus Recruitment closely monitors these developments, as good-quality housing has a direct impact on how comfortably and securely international employees can work and live. 

 

What is behind these stricter standards? 

The recommendations of the Migrant Worker Protection Taskforce, led by Emile Roemer, have served as a guideline for improving the quality of migrant worker housing in the Netherlands for several years. The key recommendations are: one person per bedroom, unless residents themselves choose to share a room, and at least 15 square metres of living space per person. 

SNF is implementing these recommendations step by step. As of 1 July 2025, the foundation already took an initial step by increasing the minimum usable floor area for newly registered hotels, guesthouses and newly built accommodation locations. Additional requirements regarding daylight in living areas also came into effect on that date. The stricter standards taking effect on 1 October 2026 build on these changes and bring the SNF standards another step closer to the full Roemer recommendations. 

 

What does this mean for employers? 

Until now, existing locations have had more flexibility than prescribed by the Roemer recommendations. With each tightening of the standards, this margin becomes smaller. Specifically, the changes affect: 

• the minimum living space per resident  
• the number of occupants per bedroom  
• requirements regarding privacy, daylight and sanitary facilities  

This is relevant for employment agencies because the collective labour agreement (CAO) for the temporary employment sector requires employers to arrange housing in accordance with the SNF quality standard. Companies providing accommodation to migrant workers are therefore advised to check in good time whether their housing locations meet the new requirements, particularly existing properties where modifications may require both time and investment. 

At Opus Recruitment, we see in practice that employers who address these requirements early are less likely to face unexpected issues and are better able to demonstrate to their employees that good housing conditions are taken seriously. 

 

The full standard 

The exact standards and explanations for each requirement can be found on the website of Stichting Normering Flexwonen. Employers who are unsure whether their current housing complies with the new standards are advised to have this assessed in good time, allowing sufficient time to make any necessary adjustments before 1 October 2026.