New year, new rules — and this applies to those of us who rent as well. Let’s talk about what’s changing for renters in the Netherlands in 2024.
Listen, there’s good news, and there’s bad news.
Good news for renters in the Netherlands
Since it’s January and the post-holiday blues are hitting hard, let’s start with the good news.
You can report your landlord
Got a landlord who is asking for your left kidney and then some as a deposit? Well, now you can actually tattle on them.
According to NU.nl, this year, all municipalities in the Netherlands must have a reporting point where people can report power-tripping landlords.
READ MORE | 10 things that will surprise you about renting in the Netherlands
The hope is that by formally reporting any misbehaviour, the municipality can more easily take action against the landlord in question.
The rental allowance is increasing
Do you receive a rental allowance (huurtoeslag)? Then good news: you’re about to see your monthly payments increase!
In 2024, recipients of the huurtoeslag will receive more than €30 extra per month in huurtoeslag — ka-ching! 💸
You can more easily stay in your deceased parent’s home
If you find yourself without parents in 2024, there’s one bit of comfort we can give you. The Dutch government can’t easily remove you from their rental home — especially if they were renting from a housing association.
In 2024, people who lose their parents may take over their rental home until they are 28 years old. It’s not much, but it’s something.
The bad news for renters in the Netherlands
On that cheery note, let’s move on to the bad news — because it wouldn’t be a new year without some.
Rents in the private sector can increase
And by increase, we mean by a whopping 5.5%. For now, this is only the case until May 1 of this year.
Why is this so wonderfully high? Remember the good ol’ days of major inflation? Well, through the magic of economics, this percentage is linked to that inflation.
What could this mean for you? If you are renting in the private sector and your landlord feels like it (as they often do), they can increase your monthly rent by 5.5%. Happy New Year.
Other people may be prioritised over you
If you’re looking for a rental home in a new municipality, we have some more bad news.
As of January 1, municipalities in the Netherlands may prioritise people who are already living in the municipality when it comes to applying for a property.
This doesn’t mean they will — but they can.
However, there may be some good news for you here, especially if you happen to have a highly sought-after profession (such as a teacher, nurse, or policeman).
Municipalities may now also prioritise people from these professions when they apply for rental properties.
Perhaps it’s time to become a teacher?
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