Homestay rental in Utrecht: is it just allowed? These are the rules

Do you live in or around Utrecht and are you considering becoming a landlord or landlady? These are the rules concerning room rentals in Utrecht.

“When I'm standing on top of the Dom...” Not just the Dom, the enchanting canals, historic buildings, and central location make the cozy Utrecht a wonderful place to live and study. Increasingly, young students opt to exchange their hometown for a spot in one of the most beautiful cities in our country.

This growing popularity of Utrecht as a student city also means there is a significant shortage of affordable student rooms. Many Utrecht residents with some extra space in their homes are therefore opting for: homestay rental; they rent a room in their house to a student. But... can you just rent out a room in your own bought or rented house?

Good question. The answer depends on the rules set by the municipality. In this article, we dive into the regulations surrounding homestay rental in Utrecht and give you three reasons why more and more people are choosing to become landlords or landladies.

But first.. I live just outside Utrecht. Is homestay rental then worth it?

Many people think you can only be a landlord or landlady for students if you live in the heart of Utrecht's center, but that's not the case. There are plenty of students who actually prefer a quieter environment with more greenery (like in Susanna's story, for instance).

Surrounding municipalities like Nieuwegein, Zeist, and Maarssen are generally quieter, greener, and offer students a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of city life and the peace and space in the surrounding areas. Moreover, with our excellent public transport system (or by bike), they are often quickly in the city's hustle and bustle, if they wish. So you can certainly become a landlord or landlady even if you live outside the city.

The rules around homestay rental in Utrecht

The municipality of Utrecht is doing everything it can to reduce the room shortage. They have very flexible rules about homestay rental: You can rent out 1 or 2 rooms in your own home without a conversion permit. Moreover, in the house where you live, you can rent out rooms to a maximum of 3 people. The exact rules can be found on the Utrecht municipality's website.

Did you know that with these rules Utrecht has the most flexible room and homestay rental policy in the Netherlands? Even the Utrecht housing corporations allow homestay rental! So, even if you live in a (social) rental house, you can rent out 1 or 2 rooms.

Collaboration between Utrecht municipality and Hospi Housing

To further address the room shortage and stimulate homestay rental, the municipality of Utrecht has been closely collaborating with us, Hospi Housing, since 2019. This partnership has made homestay rental increasingly popular, especially among international students. A positive development that we are proud of!

3 reasons to rent out a room in your own home

homestay rental is greatly encouraged in Utrecht. Now let's look at the reasons why you would rent out a room in your home. Renting out rooms is obviously a nice way to earn some extra money, but there are many more motives to open your door to students.

1. You meet new people (with a fresh perspective)

Do you have a free space at home and are you interested in meeting new people? A new, young housemate not only brings a fresh atmosphere to the house, it can even lead to valuable friendships. Renting out rooms is therefore an excellent opportunity to meet new people, exchange experiences, and refresh your own perspectives.

2. You provide a young student with a nice place

Many students need affordable and comfortable living space during their studies. Maybe you've been a student yourself and moved 'into rooms': do you remember the moment you ended up alone in a new city? By renting out a room in your house, you contribute to a solution for the room shortage and offer students a warm welcome: a nice place where they feel at home and can focus on their studies.

3. homestay rental is more flexible than regular rental

As a prospective landlord or landlady, you decide how many rooms you want to rent out, to how many people, and to whom. Moreover, a homestay rental contract always starts with a trial period of 9 months: during this time, you have the right to terminate the contract without giving a reason. If, unexpectedly, there's no match with a student, you're not committed to anything.

Become a landlord or landlady in Utrecht

homestay rental is a great way to meet new people and therefore an unforgettable experience for many of our hosts. Moreover, homestay rental is encouraged by the government - especially by the municipality of Utrecht.

Do you live in or around Utrecht and are you interested in becoming a host? Then sign up as a landlord or landlady at Hospi Housing and discover how you can make a difference for a student!

Note: Always consult the rules and regulations of your own municipality before deciding to rent out a room in your home.