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House rules at the Municipality of Apeldoorn’s GOO shelters

These house rules were drawn up to ensure municipal shelters for Ukrainian refugees are safe and pleasant places to live. A lot of people live in a limited space in this GOO (Gemeentelijke Opvang Oekraine) shelter. It is therefore very important to have rules about what is and what is not allowed. So, we hope you understand the need for these house rules.

The legal framework for these house rules is set out in the Regulations for the Reception of Displaced Persons Ukraine (RooO). Other laws and regulations also apply. A very important one is the Dutch Constitution. In the Netherlands, these laws and regulations apply. You must comply with them.

The house rules are based on the premise that you are a good resident. A good resident behaves reasonably and responsibly. This is something we expect from you too Even if the house rules do not explicitly state this.

House rules

These are the Municipality of Apeldoorn’s house rules. You can find more details in the explanations.

When you first arrive at the GOO shelter, you will be registered in the shelter’s administration. We use your data to provide you with shelter. We share your data with other organisations if there is a legal obligation to do so. This is the case, for example, if your children have to go to school or for the national vaccination programme. We also request your consent to share your data if there is no legal obligation to do so. For example, if you have to go to hospital and we need to let them know who you are and what you’re suffering from in Dutch.

You must register in our municipal personal records administration. You will be invited to this by the shelter coordinator. You must attend this appointment. During this registration, you will receive your BSN number. You cannot go to the town hall on your own initiative.

The shelter manager, shelter coordinator, security guard, or other council staff may give you instructions. Those instructions are to ensure the shelter remains a pleasant place to live. For example, you may be asked not to cause a nuisance, to keep passageways in the shelter clear for safety reasons (such as a fire hazard), or to clean or tidy your room. You may also be instructed, after approval from the project manager, to report at certain times.

We need to be able to establish your identity. Clothing covering your face is therefore not allowed at GOO shelters. Face-covering clothing includes a niqab or burka, as well as a balaclava, full-face helmet or hoodie.

The Municipality of Apeldoorn is a politically/religiously neutral organisation. At GOO shelters, you are free to practise your religion and hold political views. However, your political or religious views or activities/preferences must not cause a nuisance to others in any way.

Privacy at GOO shelters is important. It is therefore forbidden to take photos, videos or sound recordings of fellow residents, staff at GOO shelters, visitors or other people present at the location without their consent.

Visitors are not allowed at GOO shelters. The municipality may make an exception for a specific GOO shelter if the conditions at this shelter allow it. In that case, the rules for visits can be consulted at the reception desk of this location.

Pets are not allowed at GOO shelters.

Discrimination based on religion, belief, political affiliation, race, gender, sexual orientation or any other reason is strictly prohibited. 

Any form of aggression, inciting aggression, violence, inciting violence, or threatening violence against others is prohibited. This applies to verbal, physical as well as psychological aggression. Screaming, hitting, kicking, spitting, vandalising, threatening, provoking and other forms of aggression and violence are therefore all banned.  Intimidation is also banned. By intimidation, we mean behaviour intended to scare others. 

Any form of sexually inappropriate behaviour is prohibited. By sexually inappropriate behaviour, we mean behaviour or advances that are sexual in nature and are perceived as unwanted by the victim. This could be physical or non-physical. These include unwanted touching, kissing against someone’s will, sending unwanted sexually explicit photos, wolf whistling, sexual assault and rape.

Causing a nuisance is not allowed. This is particularly important at night.  Between 10.00 pm and 7.00 am, it should be quiet to allow everyone to sleep undisturbed.

Drinking alcohol at GOO shelters is not allowed. The municipality may make an exception for a specific GOO shelter if the conditions at this shelter allow it. The rules on alcohol can be inspected at the shelter reception. In all cases, being drunk in public is not allowed in the Netherlands, which includes on the premises of GOO shelters.

You must not have drugs in your possession or take drugs at GOO shelters.

Possession of weapons is prohibited. Weapons are implements that could be used to attack someone, such as knives (except cutlery), clubs, awls, knuckledusters, catapults, and so on.

Trading in or receiving stolen goods in the GOO shelter or its outdoor areas is prohibited. This applies to all illegal goods, including drugs, weapons and alcohol.

You are fully liable for any damage you cause to property belonging to the Municipality of Apeldoorn or third parties. You must pay for any damage caused by you or your children.

Medical assistance is available for the residents. You must arrive on time to appointments made for you. You can make arrangements with the shelter coordinator. You cannot visit a healthcare organisation without an appointment. In case of a life-threatening situation, call 112. If you have a contagious (infectious) disease, report it immediately to the shelter coordinator and seek medical attention.

  1. You are responsible for your children until they reach the age of 18.  All children aged 5 to 18 must attend school in the Netherlands. As a parent or carer, you are responsible for ensuring that your children attend school. If your children do not attend school, the Municipality of Apeldoorn or the school can report it to the relevant inspectorate. You may then face a hefty fine. You can ask the shelter coordinator how to register your child at a school. If a child uses transport provided by the Municipality of Apeldoorn to travel to a language class, you must help supervise them on the bus. When your children are not at school or childcare, you are responsible for actively supervising them.

You can borrow certain items temporarily from the Municipality of Apeldoorn. For example, plates, cutlery, cups, a cot, linen package, or a baby kit. You must treat these items with care. Items you have borrowed must be returned as agreed with the shelter coordinator.

  • You may use a bed in a room in the GOO shelter. This room is for you and your fellow residents only. You must not let other people live or stay here.
  • Another resident may be placed in the room with you, or you may be moved to another room. This could also be at another shelter. You must cooperate with this.
  • You must not make any changes to the room or furniture. You may not bring your own furniture.
  • The room must always comply with the fire safety regulations set out in Article 22.
  • You must clean your own room at least once a week. When you move out, you must leave your room (and any sanitary facilities you use) clean. You are not allowed to take any borrowed furniture or items with you.
  • You are not allowed to store electric vehicles in your room or charge batteries.

The municipality regularly checks your room to ensure the shelter is safe. You must give staff access to your room. The municipality respects the law on entering property in this respect. The council will knock on the door before staff enter your room. Staff may enter your room uninvited if there is an acute threat to safety or public health, such as fire or contamination risks.

Within the communal areas such as the entrance, recreation rooms, children’s playrooms, the outdoor area, kitchens, toilet and shower blocks, canteen and so on, the following rules apply:

  • You may not store belongings in communal areas (including parking spaces).
  • All residents are responsible for keeping the communal facilities of the GOO shelter and the immediate surroundings around the shelter clean.
  • You must dispose of waste in designated bins. Blue waste containers are for paper and cardboard. Grey waste containers are for other waste. Dispose of cigarette butts in designated bins or pots, never throw them on the ground.
  • Only walking is allowed in the communal areas, unless you are a wheelchair user. Running, cycling or otherwise moving around is prohibited.
  • It is forbidden to leave property in showers, toilets or the sanitary area. Make sure that sanitary facilities are left clean after use.
  • At GOO shelters without their own cooking facilities, 3 meals a day are provided in the restaurant. These meals must be eaten in the restaurant. Taking meals into rooms is prohibited.
  • At GOO shelters with cooking facilities, meals must be eaten in the dining unit. Taking meals into rooms is prohibited.
  • Communal recreational rooms and areas may not be used between 10.00 pm and 8.00 am.
  • Leave bicycles in the area provided. There are no indoor charging facilities for electric bicycles.

For your own safety and the safety of others, the following fire regulations apply:

  • You are not allowed to smoke in GOO shelters. That means not in your own room, in stairwells, sanitary areas or storage areas. The smoking ban covers all products containing tobacco and all types of vapes (e-cigarette).
  • Do not light an open fire. That means no candles, incense, oil lamps, etc.
  • If there is a cooking facility for residents: you may only cook on cooking appliances placed by the Municipality of Apeldoorn in the kitchens. While cooking, always pay attention. Always stay near the cooker.
  • You may only use electrical equipment with a CE mark and that has been approved by a shelter coordinator. You may not use electrical equipment that has a heating or cooling effect, unless it is equipment provided by the Municipality of Apeldoorn. That means that kettles, microwaves, air conditioners, freezers, pressure cookers, coffee appliances, irons, etc. are not allowed. You may use electrical appliances for personal care in the sanitary areas.
  • It is strictly forbidden to tamper with a fire alarm.
  • It is forbidden to activate the fire alarm unless there is a fire.
  • It is forbidden to use extension cords with multiple outlets, unless they are equipment provided by the Municipality of Apeldoorn.
  • Covering a refrigerator is prohibited.
  • It is forbidden to park or charge an electric bike or scooter (or its battery) indoors.
  • If a fire occurs, everyone must be able to escape unhindered. This is why escape routes must always be clear. Make sure strollers or bikes are not obstructing escape routes.
  • When the fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately and go to the designated assembly point. Leave your belongings behind to avoid wasting precious time. Always follow the instructions of shelter staff.
  • Self-closing, fire-resistant doors must never be left open. It is therefore forbidden to destroy or remove door closers.
  • It is forbidden to keep petrol, alcohol or other highly flammable substances in your room.
  • If tumble dryers are available at your location, always clean the dust filter. Remove dust from the dryer filter before and after use. A dirty dryer can catch fire.
  • Every communal corridor must have free walking space. It is forbidden to place loose shoes or other obstructions in corridors. However, shoes in a shoe rack placed against the wall are allowed.
  • Use emergency exits only in case of emergencies.

You must respect the property of others.  Make sure that neighbours are not inconvenienced by the presence of a GOO shelter.

  • It is forbidden to enter the premises of other Apeldoorn residents or businesses. Leave other people’s property alone, such as houses, cars and bicycles.
  • Place rubbish in the bins provided or take it back to the GOO collection shelter and dispose of it there.
  • It is forbidden to park on someone else’s property.

Mail and parcels must be delivered to the information desk. Residents must collect post and parcels addressed to them in their own name. You must show ID to collect packages and registered mail. Staff can inform other government agencies about suspicious mail or parcels if there is a threat to safety or public health.

  • If you leave the GOO shelter for a period longer than 24 hours, always report this to the location coordinator.
  • If you have not been at the shelter for more than 24 hours without first signing out with the shelter coordinator, your personal belongings may be temporarily removed and stored. If this happens, the Municipality of Apeldoorn is not liable for damage to or loss of this property. Your place may be made available to accommodate others.
  • You may be absent from the GOO shelter for up to 28 days per year.
  • You may be absent from the GOO shelter for up to 14 consecutive days. You can request to be absent for more than 14 days by e-mail. You can do so by e-mailing at least three days before departure to oekraine@apeldoorn.nl. Your place can only be reserved for the longer period if you receive permission to be absent in writing. You must leave your key and any GOO identification card with the shelter coordinator in your absence.
  • After you return, report to a shelter staff member in person. They will register your return.
  • If you leave without notification, if you are away for more than 14 consecutive days, or if you are away for more than 28 days a year, your place at the shelter may be taken by another/new resident. If that happens, you cannot return to the GOO shelter. You can report to the shelter coordinator to collect your personal belongings.
  • Your living allowance will be stopped after 28 days of absence.

You must notify us if you no longer wish to stay in the GOO shelter location. If you leave permanently, you must:

  • Report your departure and where you are going to the shelter coordinator.
  • Fill in the relevant forms (new residence form). If you are moving to outside the Netherlands, you will also need to fill in an emigration form. You can find this at: Verhuizen of terugkeer
  • Leave your room clean and have it (and any sanitary facilities) checked.
  • Take your belongings.
  • Return your key.

Sanctions for breaking the rules

If you do not respect the rules

Failure to comply with these rules may result in a sanction. You may have a measure imposed on you by the municipality. You may have your living allowance cut, for example. Your right to use the facilities at the GOO shelter may also be limited.     

For serious violations, the Municipality of Apeldoorn may transfer you to another GOO shelter. You may also be denied access to the GOO shelter temporarily or indefinitely.  

In case of suspected crimes and criminal behaviour, the Municipality of Apeldoorn will call in the police. Aggressive or violent behaviour towards GOO shelter staff will be reported to the police.

If you yourself are a victim

If you are a victim of aggression, violence or criminal sexual behaviour, the Municipality of Apeldoorn advises you to report it to the police. Are you a victim or do you feel unsafe? The Municipality of Apeldoorn can offer help. Do you need help or know someone who needs help? Discuss this with a shelter coordinator. The best possible solution is then sought. We will keep the information you share confidential. Your safety is something we take seriously.

These rules were adopted on 18 March 2025,

The Municipal Executive,

Secretary,

de Bruin

The Mayor,

A.J.M. Heerts