Dutch Quirk #130: Charge hundreds of euros to live in a broom closet

HomeUltimate List of Dutch QuirksDutch Quirk #130: Charge hundreds of euros to live in a broom...

“So, this is the room!” The agent stands awkwardly underneath a sloped ceiling, making way for you to step into the 6m2 space. You stand nose-to-nose with them while you discuss the price.

“And it’s…€750 per month.” They say with a very faint smile.

They know it’s bad. You know it’s bad. But it’s probably the best you’re going to get in the current market.

Why? Because Dutch landlords are embracing the current housing crisis with open, welcome arms.

What is it?

Unfortunately, this phenomenon is very well known in the Netherlands.

If it’s got four rickety walls and enough room to squeeze a single bed into, you can expect to pay hundreds of euros in rent per month to your landlord. We mean it.

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Does it have insulation? You are one lucky duck! (That’ll be €400 extra.)

Why do they do it?

With a shortage of housing and plenty of desperate people in a concentrated area looking to find somewhere to live, Dutch landlords have no problem asking a ridiculous amount of money for you to live in a glorified broom closet.

After all, the demand is there. Why not fund a lavish lifestyle at your expense? You’re lucky to have a roof over your head — now cough it all up.

Why is it quirky? 

In this case, it’s not so much quirky as it is downright extortionate.

Regardless of how we describe it, the Dutch are especially good at making use of a crisis when they can.

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Would an Italian landlord dare to rent an old storage space to you for €800 per month? We’d like to think not.

Should you join in? 

If, by the grace of Gouda, you somehow manage to become a homeowner in the Netherlands with the opportunity to rent to someone, we would like to ask that if you do rent out your broom closet, at least make sure it has insulation.

Oh, and maybe don’t charge half our income for it.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

1 COMMENT

  1. Albert B.
    Albert B.

    The Real Person!

    Author Albert B. acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
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    The Real Person!

    Author Albert B. acts as a real person and verified as not a bot.
    Passed all tests against spam bots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.

    Dutch landlord here and I think that is absolutely immoral and outrageous! I may be old school but I think companies (and I’ll group landlords with them) clearly have a profit motive, but should also have a responsibility to not only their shareholders but also to their clients (tenants) and society as a whole.

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