Renting

In the Netherlands you can rent housing. If you are a tenant, you have rights as well as duties. 

Renting in the Netherlands 

If you rent your home, you have to pay the rent on time. The tenancy agreement will tell you how much you pay and when. You have to use your home properly. You must do minor repairs yourself. You must not cause a nuisance to others. If you do not pay your rent on time, the landlord must report this to the municipality. 

Tenants' rights 

As a tenant, you are entitled to tenant protection. Your landlord cannot simply end your tenancy. You are also entitled to rent protection. This means that your rent must not be too high. You can ask the Huurcommissie if your rent is correct. This is possible for social sector rented housing, housing in the mid-market rental sector (since July 2024), rooms and caravans. In some cases, you must do this within six months. 

A peaceful life

You have a right to pleasant living conditions. That means you must be able to live in your home in peace. The landlord cannot just come in. Your landlord also has to take care of maintaining your home. 

Housing benefit 

You might be able to get housing benefit. This is money from the government to help you with the rent. You will get housing benefit only if your income and rent are not too high. Visit the Belastingdienst website to find out if you have a right to housing benefit. 

Rules for landlords 

Landlords must behave properly. They must not discriminate against you or intimidate you. They are also not allowed to charge an excessive deposit or duplicate costs. Since July 2023, landlords must also provide a tenancy agreement on paper and give you proper information. From 2025, they will not be allowed to charge excessive rents. Municipalities can warn landlords that charge excessive rents and can fine them.