ACCESS NL > Housing in the Netherlands > Renting a house in the Netherlands > What are the rules for a landlord or rental agent to follow when renting out property?
Renting a house in the Netherlands
How can I avoid scams when looking for a rental property?
What are the standard practices for renting via a makelaar (real estate agent)?
Am I required to pay a commission fee?
What is the process of finalising the deal while renting a property?
I have rented a house and some repairs are needed. Who is responsible for this: the landlord or I?
How about taking possession?
What should I do when I want to move out of a rented property?
I have some issues and contract disputes with my landlord on the room/house that I am renting. Can ACCESS provide me with some legal advice or is there a legal authority that I can go to or consult regarding these issues?
I have signed my rental contract but I realise only now that some things in the contract are not fair. What can I do about it?
The contract is in my partner’s name and she/he is leaving the Netherlands. May I continue living in the house?
How can I get water, electricity and gas connections?
How can I get connected to telephone, Internet and TV?
Are there any special rules for collecting household waste?
What are the rules for a landlord or rental agent to follow when renting out property?
Landlords and rental agents should follow certain rules and take care of the tenant’s rights.
The most important rules are:
- Landlords and rental agents have a clear procedure as to how the allocation of tenants works and the grounds on which someone is accepted or rejected as a tenant. Any kind of intimidation or physical threatening is forbidden, e.g. it is not allowed to threaten non-repayment of the deposit.
- The deposit is a maximum of twice the monthly rent and must be paid back within two weeks after the rental agreement has ended.
- The rental agreement must be put in writing.
- The landlord or rental agent must inform the tenant in writing about their rights and obligations.
- Any service fees should be reasonable and permitted by law.
- If required by the municipality, the landlord must have a licence to rent out a property
Municipalities have the authority to supervise this and take measures if anyone doesn’t follow the rules.
More detailed information about this law can be found on the website of the government (Dutch only).