What requirements must a room in a homestay meet?

Do you have a spare room in your house and are you considering of renting it out? In this article you read everything about the requirements a room in a homestay must meet.

Do you have a spare room in your house and are you considering of renting it out? Very well! It doesn’t matter if you have a small room in a souterrain or a big loft, most students are already grateful when they find a room. A room in a homestay must meet a few requirements. In this article you can read all about the requirements a room in a homestay must meet.

Can you become a host?

To become a host, you must live in the same house where you want to rent out the room. Both as an owner and tenant of a house you are allowed to rent out a room. Unless it is stated in the rental contract that it is not allowed, you do not need permission from the landlord.

If you want to rent out a room in a house where you (currenlty) don’t live, please contact us to see how we can help you. Do you live in the house where you want to rent out a room? Bingo! Then you qualify as a host. You will read below what requirements your home must meet.

How to make your house homestay-proof?

A student must have access to a toilet, bathroom and kitchen. This may of course be a shared facility. In addition, a CO-meter, smoke detector (also in the tenant’s room) and other fire fighting resources must be present. On the website of the Dutch government, you find an extensive checklist. Also, it is important that the tenant can register with the municipality.

Homestay room; minimum of 7m2 and a window

Next, there are also several criteria that the tenant's room must meet. The rental room must be at least 7 square meters and have a window, and the tenant's total living space must be at least 12 square meters. Ensure that there is a properly functioning WiFi connection in the rental space. If you offer a furnished room, it must include at least a bed, a wardrobe, and a desk.

Homestay in a social rental home? It’s possible!

Do you live in a social rental home? You may also rent out a room in your home. You do need to ask official permission from the housing corporation. They can advise you what is and is not allowed. Hospi Housing works together with many housing corporations in the Netherlands, so you can also contact us if you have any questions.

Do you need a permit?

The rules regarding renting out a room in a homestay differ per municipality. In most municipalities in the Netherlands you do not need a permit to rent out one or two rooms in your home. It does not matter whether you rent or bought a house. Always check the local rules on the website of your municipality.

Do you doubt about what is possible in your situation? After registering with Hospi Housing, we will contact you personally and give you advice, free of charge.

Finance & Mortgage

Good news: as a host renting out a room in your home, you usually do not pay tax. This applies to both rent and bought properties. However, you must meet a few requirements. For example, it must concern the part of the house you are living yourself, the total rental income may not exceed € 5.998 per year and the rental was not short-term, for example holiday rental. Read more about taxes and the benefits of homestay.

Renting out a room is often allowed by the mortgage lender, but this is not always the case. Because it usually concerns short-term rental, most mortgage lenders do not mind. We are here to advice you what is best in your situation.

Are you interested in renting out a room in your home? Register for free. After registration we will contact you personally to answer all your questions.