Homestay rental bill sent to Dutch Parliament: what does this mean for hosts?
The Dutch homestay rental bill has been sent to Parliament. An important step toward making it easier and more attractive to rent out a room at home.
On 7 July 2026, Minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan for Housing and Spatial Planning sent a proposed change to the law on homestay rentals to the Dutch House of Representatives. This marks an important step toward making it easier and more attractive for people to rent out a room in their own home.
For Hospi Housing, this is welcome news. Homestay rental can help make better use of the homes that already exist. In a housing market under serious pressure, we should not only focus on building new homes, but also on using existing space more effectively.
What will change?
The proposed law aims to remove several barriers that currently make people hesitant to become a host. The most important changes are:
- A temporary rental contract for homestay rental will be introduced, with a maximum duration of five years.
- The existing nine-month trial period will remain in place.
- Homeowners will have more options to end the rental contract in situations such as the sale of the home or the death of the host.
- Hosts who rent their own home will be able to end the homestay contract when they move.
- The income of the homestay tenant will no longer count toward the income-dependent rent increase of the main tenant.
The temporary contract is especially important. Many potential hosts are interested in renting out a room, but worry about long-term obligations. A clear temporary contract can make it easier to offer a room for a longer period, without making the step feel too permanent.
Why does this matter?
The potential of homestay rental is significant. According to the Dutch government, around one-third of people in the Netherlands have a suitable space available, and about eight percent would consider becoming a host. In total, this could potentially create 100,000 additional living spaces.
Homestay rental will not solve the housing crisis on its own, but it can be a practical and fast addition to the housing supply. For students, starters and international residents, a room in someone’s home can make the difference between finding a place to live or not.
What happens next?
The bill is now with the Dutch House of Representatives. It will be discussed, debated and eventually put to a vote. If the House of Representatives approves the proposal, it will then move to the Senate. Only after approval by both chambers and publication can the law officially enter into force.
The government aims for the law to take effect on 1 January 2027. The new rules will apply to rental contracts signed after the law has entered into force.
Hospi Housing helps hosts get started
At Hospi Housing, we see every day that many people are open to renting out a room, but still have questions. What is legally allowed? What is a fair rental price? Who would be a good fit at home? And what could hosting actually earn you?
We guide hosts step by step: from creating a listing to finding a suitable tenant and arranging the rental contract.
Curious what renting out a room could bring you? Register with Hospi Housing and explore your options without obligation.