Rent Contracts and Your Rights as a Tenant in the Netherlands
Renting a room or apartment in the Netherlands? This guide explains your rights as a tenant, what a legal contract must include, and how eviction works.
A clear guide for EU workers renting a room or apartment
🏠 Why rent contracts matter
Whether you’re renting a room from a landlord or a studio via your employment agency, having a legal rent contract (huurcontract) gives you protection. Without one, you risk:
- Sudden eviction
- No registration (BRP)
- No address for DigiD, health insurance, or benefits
Let’s break down what you need to know.
📃 What types of rental contracts are there?
| Type | Description | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-term contract | Ends on a specific date | Max. 2 years (room = 5 years) | Ends automatically unless extended |
| Indefinite contract | Ongoing until cancelled | Unlimited | Strongest tenant rights |
| Verhuur via werkgever | Housing through employment | Often short | Still covered by tenant protection law |
📌 What must a legal rental contract include?
A proper huurcontract includes:
- Name and address of landlord and tenant
- Rental address
- Start date and (if applicable) end date
- Monthly rent amount
- Deposit (usually 1–2 months)
- Utilities included? (gas, water, electricity, internet?)
- Signature of both parties
⚠️ No signature = no contract. Always get a copy.
📝 Example of basic contract layout
Rental Agreement (Huurcontract)
Landlord: Jan Jansen
Tenant: Maria Popescu
Rental Address: Korteweg 12B, 1234AB Utrecht
Start Date: 01-09-2025
End Date: 31-08-2026
Monthly Rent: €650
Deposit: €650
Utilities Included: Water, Electricity
Registration Allowed: Yes
Signed: Jan Jansen | Maria Popescu
Date: 20-08-2025🧾 What are your rights as a tenant?
In the Netherlands, tenants have strong legal protection, even with simple contracts. You have the right to:
- Privacy (landlord can’t enter without permission)
- A safe living space (working heating, no mold, secure access)
- Reasonable rent (based on point system)
- Notice before eviction (see below)
Even if you are living in employer-provided housing, these rights apply.
❌ What about eviction?
A landlord cannot just kick you out. Even without a contract, eviction must:
- Be announced in writing
- Follow a legal procedure (e.g. court decision in most cases)
- Respect a notice period of at least 1 month
Only a judge can force someone to leave — not the landlord, not the agency, not the employer.
🛑 If someone threatens to change the lock or throw out your things, contact the police or Juridisch Loket.
💶 What about rent increases?
- The rent can only go up once per year
- You must be informed in writing at least 2 months in advance
- For regulated housing (most migrant rooms): increase is limited by law
If your rent is too high, you can file a complaint at the Huurcommissie.
🧮 How to check if your rent is too high
Use the official calculator from huurcommissie.nl and check the woningwaardering (point system). Fill in:
- Room size
- Private bathroom/toilet/kitchen
- Energy label
- Location and shared areas
You will get a maximum allowed rent. If your rent is higher, you may be entitled to a rent reduction.
🛠️ Who pays for repairs?
| Type of Repair | Who pays? |
| Small repairs (lightbulbs, clogged sink) | Tenant |
| Major repairs (heating, structural issues) | Landlord |
| Damage caused by tenant | Tenant |
| Mold due to bad ventilation | Depends on cause |
Always report issues in writing and document with photos.
💡 What if things go wrong?
If you have a conflict with your landlord:
- Try to solve it directly (keep communication in writing)
- Contact the Juridisch Loket (free legal aid): www.juridischloket.nl
- File a complaint with the Huurcommissie (rent disputes)
- In serious cases, go to the kantonrechter (district court)
You cannot be evicted without a court ruling. Don’t let fear stop you from standing up for your rights.
🤔 Common renting mistakes to avoid
- Renting a room without asking about registration (BRP)
- Not getting a written contract
- Paying cash without receipts
- Accepting unsafe or illegal housing (e.g. overcrowded, fire hazards)
- Not reporting defects quickly
✅ Summary: Rent Contracts and Tenant Rights
| Topic | Key point |
| Contract type | Fixed or indefinite — know the difference |
| Required info | Always ask for a written contract |
| Tenant rights | Privacy, safety, registration, fair rent |
| Eviction | Legal procedure required, not instant |
| Rent increase | Max. once per year, with notice |
| Support | Juridisch Loket & Huurcommissie can help |
By understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, you protect your home, your finances, and your dignity. Don’t let language or fear stop you — help is available, and the law is on your side.
