Rotterdam will implement "purchase protection" in sixteen districts for homes with a value of up to 355,000 euros This means that anyone who buys such a house in the affected neighborhoods has to live in it themselves or is only allowed to rent out the house under strict conditions the municipality wants to tackle slumlords and make it easier for first-time buyers to find a home buyers are now making it difficult for home seekers in the tight housing market and they also treat tenants poorly and charge high prices The quality of life in the 16 neighborhoods is at stake According to the municipality of Rotterdam homes in the neighborhoods where the purchase scheme will apply are now often rented out by private individuals "This arrangement benefits the quality of life in vulnerable neighborhoods where the municipality encounters many abuses in homes such as overcrowding or cannabis cultivation," the municipality said in a statement There are a few exceptions to the new rule rental is allowed when staying abroad for a maximum of 12 months or to immediate family members