Letting your property in the Netherlands

As long as you're the owner of the property and the purchase deed doesn't specify any restrictions on renting, you're good to go! It's important to keep in mind that mortgage lenders will require you to get their approval before renting out your house. Please feel free to book a free consultation with us for advice before talking to your mortgage lender. And if you don't have a mortgage on your home, renting it out is no problem at all. Just make sure to let the Owners' Association know if you're renting out an apartment in a complex. This is usually outlined in the association's articles of association and internal regulations.

The decision on whether to rent out your home in the Netherlands as furnished or unfurnished primarily depends on the rental period. For shorter terms, such as one year, it is often recommended to offer a furnished apartment. This is because many tenants, particularly expatriates, may not want to bring all their furniture for such a short stay. For longer rental periods, both furnished and unfurnished options are viable. It is worth noting that a furnished apartment often commands a higher rental price. Ultimately, the choice is yours and should be based on your specific circumstances and preferences. As always, we’re happy to learn more about your specific needs and provide guidance on this matter. 

There are several types of rental contracts in the Netherlands. But here are the 3 most common types.

Model A - Indefinite rental period
The rental agreement for an indefinite period is a contract that does not have a fixed end date. You can request a minimum term, usually 12 months. The tenant can terminate this contract with a one month calendar notice period. This type of contract provides stability and security for the tenant, as they can remain in the rental property for as long as they like, as long as they fulfill their obligations under the contract.

Model B - Temporary rental period
This is a fixed-term rental agreement with a maximum duration of 24 months. Contract terms can be anywhere from 6-24 months. The tenant can terminate this contract anytime, with one month's calendar notice.  At the end of the term, the contract will automatically become a Model A,  unless the landlord gives notice to end the agreement. This must be done 3 months before the end of the rental period and no later than 1 month. 

Model C - Temporary rental period
A rental agreement for a definite term with a specific end date for the tenancy. Contract terms can be anywhere from 6-24 months and can request a minimum term. The tenant can terminate this contract after a 1 month calendar notice period, after the minimum term.  It should also be stated clearly in the lease agreement that the landlord is away temporarily and requires property back after the agreed term. The contract can be extended with similar terms.

If you're renting to a maximum of 2 adults, you won't need to worry about a permit from the municipality. However, if you're looking to rent to more than 2 adults from different households, it's important to apply for a permit. This is known as room-based rental. The good news is that once you've obtained the permit, every resident can register with the municipality. Please note that the policy regarding permits can vary from one municipality to another, so it's especially important to be aware of the regulations in your area. In Amsterdam, for example, this permit is referred to as a conversion permit.