Renting in the Netherlands, explained in English
Dutch rental law protects tenants strongly — but only if you know how it works. This is the English section of Verhuren.net, an independent Dutch knowledge platform on renting and letting. No agency, no listings: just the rules, sourced from official Dutch bodies.
Onze volledige kennisbank is in het Nederlands:ga naar de Nederlandse site.
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Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord raise the rent whenever they want?
No. Rent increases are capped by law and generally allowed once every twelve months. In the regulated and mid-rent segments the maximum percentage is set annually by the government; in the liberalised sector the increase follows the indexation clause in your contract, within a statutory maximum.
Is my rent legal?
Dutch law uses a points system (WWS) that scores your home on floor area, WOZ value, energy label, kitchen, bathroom and outdoor space. The points determine the maximum legal rent. If your rent exceeds that maximum you can have it reduced through the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie).
Can I be evicted at the end of my contract?
Dutch tenants have strong protection. Since July 2024 open-ended contracts are the norm again; fixed-term contracts are only valid in specific legal situations, such as certain student contracts or when the owner returns to the property. A landlord can only end an open-ended contract on statutory grounds and through the courts.
How much deposit can a landlord ask?
Under the Good Landlordship Act the deposit is capped at two months of basic rent, and must be returned within the statutory period after the tenancy ends, with a written specification of anything withheld.
Tools
- Rental points calculator — estimate your WWS points and maximum rent (Dutch interface, indicative)
- Yield calculator — for owners weighing up a rental investment (Dutch interface)
About this site
Verhuren.net is an independent knowledge platform, part of Bright Apartments. We don't rent out properties ourselves. Legal and tax articles cite official sources (Rijksoverheid, Huurcommissie, Belastingdienst) and carry a revision date. This is general information, not legal advice — for your specific situation, consult a lawyer or theHuurcommissie.