July News Update: New Homestay Rental Law, Policy Changes and a Unique Home in Nijmegen
In this July news update, we share the latest developments around the new homestay rental law, policy changes in Tilburg and The Hague and inspiring real-life stories from Mathilde in Nijmegen.
This summer brings major developments for homestay rentals in the Netherlands. From a long-awaited legislative proposal to new municipal housing policies and improved security for hosts: July clearly shows that homestay renting is increasingly recognised as a serious solution to the housing shortage. In this news update, we highlight the key developments.
New homestay rental law open for public consultation
After years of collaboration between Hospi Housing and its partners, the new homestay rental law has entered the public consultation phase. This proposal aims to make it significantly easier for people to rent out a room in their home. Currently, many (potential) hosts face uncertainty, strict rules and limitations that prevent them from getting started.
The proposed law offers more certainty for hosts, including the ability to sell their home vacant, a short one-month notice period during the initial phase and increased willingness from mortgage lenders to approve homestay rentals. For tenants, the law will create a larger and more affordable supply of rooms, with the option to stay with the same host for up to five years. On a societal level, this legislation could unlock up to 150,000 additional living spaces in the short term, helping to reduce housing shortages, combat loneliness and strengthen social cohesion.
Everyone now has the opportunity to respond to the proposal before it is submitted to Parliament. Even though there is broad political support, it remains essential to make your voice heard. In our in-depth blog, we explain exactly what is changing and what this means for you as a host or tenant.
Deposit management via Hospi Housing: more security, less hassle
Another important step this summer is the introduction of deposit management via Hospi Housing. From now on, deposits will be handled safely and transparently through the platform. As a host, you can see before the rental period starts whether the deposit has been paid, have full visibility in your dashboard and receive support in case of disputes.
For tenants, this also means greater clarity and protection. No more informal arrangements or uncertainty, but a clear and reliable process that works for both parties.
Municipalities embracing homestay rentals
More and more municipalities are recognising homestay rentals as a vital part of their housing strategy. The Hague is working on policies to make home splitting and homestay renting much easier. This is good news for homeowners with extra space and for people urgently searching for housing. The new policy is expected to take effect in 2026, and residents are currently invited to share their input.
Tilburg has also introduced its new housing policy for 2025–2030, aiming to ensure affordable and suitable housing for everyone, from young starters to seniors. Alongside this policy, Hospi Housing successfully ran a campaign to promote homestay renting. These local initiatives show that homestay rentals are increasingly viewed as a practical and scalable housing solution.
Hospi Housing in the spotlight and real-life stories
Hospi Housing continues to gain visibility not only on radio, television and in newspapers, but also in magazines such as Libelle, Eigen Huis and various regional publications. By sharing real experiences, we inspire new audiences and encourage more people to become hosts.
We also keep highlighting inspiring tenant stories. One example is Mathilde, a student in Nijmegen, who found a unique “home within a home” through Hospi Housing — a small private unit in a former farmhouse with its own kitchenette and a beautiful garden. Stories like these demonstrate the diversity and value of homestay renting for both hosts and tenants.
We wish you a pleasant summer and see you soon!
Daan, Joost & Maurits