rssNov 12, 2026, 16:58

Amsterdam officially stops fining people for sleeping outdoors

The Amsterdam city council has officially repealed the fine for sleeping in public spaces, codifying a practice that had already been in place since 2025. While the act of sleeping outdoors is no longer punishable, residents can still be fined for causing nuisance or obstructing building entrances. Opposition parties criticized the move, fearing it normalizes homelessness and limits the city's ability to register and manage those living on the streets.

The Amsterdam city council has officially voted to remove the penalty for sleeping outdoors from the local municipal regulations, known as the APV. While the police and city officials had already ceased issuing fines to homeless individuals in early 2025, this decision codifies the change into law. Supporters of the measure, such as the party PRO, argue that criminalizing people for being unable to find shelter is unjust. Despite this change, sleeping in public spaces remains subject to penalties if it results in nuisance behavior like public urination or littering. Furthermore, sleeping in tents, vehicles, or blocking building entrances remains prohibited, allowing the city to maintain some level of control over public order.

Opposition parties, including the CDA and VVD, voted against the proposal, expressing concerns that it normalizes homelessness and removes a valuable registration tool for tracking vulnerable populations. They argue that the change comes at an inappropriate time given the reported increase in public nuisance issues. A motion to develop an alternative registration method for those who refuse assistance was rejected by the council.

Politics Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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