Access to subsidized rental housing or state-owned apartments in Bucharest is possible through a regulated legal process. These homes are managed either by the Municipal Property Administration (Administrația Fondului Imobiliar – AFI) under Bucharest City Hall or by district mayoralties, depending on the available housing stock.

The main legal framework is Housing Law no. 114/1996, which regulates social housing, emergency housing and other publicly managed residential units, as well as the allocation criteria.

👉 Housing Law no. 114/1996 (updated version):
 https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/8567

Types of housing you can apply for

In Bucharest, the most common categories include:

• Social housing – intended for individuals or families with low income;
• Emergency housing – for people evacuated or affected by disasters;
• Public housing stock units managed by AFI or district municipalities.

The Municipal Property Administration manages housing owned by Bucharest City Hall.

👉 Municipal Property Administration (AFI):
 https://afi.pmb.ro

District mayoralties separately manage their own social housing stock.

General eligibility criteria

To submit an application, applicants must meet several legal requirements:

• have permanent residence in Bucharest or in the respective district;
• not own a home;
• not have sold or transferred a home after January 1, 1990;
• not have previously received government support for buying or building housing;
• meet the income thresholds set for social housing eligibility.

Income limits may differ slightly between districts, depending on local council decisions.

Documents typically required

Applicants must submit a complete file demonstrating their housing and financial situation. Usually required:

• copies of ID documents for all family members;
• marriage certificate / birth certificates (if applicable);
• income certificates for all household members;
• notarized declaration confirming no property ownership;
• certificate from the Local Taxes and Duties Department showing no taxable property;
• documents proving special situations (eviction, restituted housing, seismic risk, etc.).

Proof of residence may also be requested in certain cases.

Where to submit the application

Applications can be submitted:

• at the district mayoralty where the applicant has residence (for district social housing);
• at the Municipal Property Administration for city-owned housing.

👉 Bucharest City Hall:
 https://www.pmb.ro

👉 Example – District 3 Housing Department:
 https://www.primarie3.ro

Each district may have its own procedures and annual submission timelines.

How housing allocation works

Allocation usually depends on:

• the score obtained under local criteria;
• social and financial circumstances;
• urgency of the case (evictions, restituted buildings, seismic risk);
• availability of housing units.

Housing Law 114/1996 prioritizes people facing critical housing situations.

Priority lists are generally published annually on local authority websites, and allocation depends on available units.

Important things to know before applying

• Submitting a request does not guarantee immediate housing allocation.
• Waiting periods can extend over several years due to limited availability.
• Application files often require periodic updates.
• Any change in income or family status must be reported.

Alternatives to social housing

There are also other public housing programs in Bucharest, such as:

• ANL housing for young people (subject to eligibility conditions);
• housing designated for professionals in priority sectors.

👉 National Housing Agency (ANL):
 https://www.anl.ro

Obtaining an “affordable” rental home in Bucharest involves strict eligibility criteria and a complete application process. Allocation follows legal regulations and social priority rules, while availability remains limited. Checking official local authority websites is essential before applying.