City Alder(wo)men visit Homestay Rentals in the Netherlands - part 2

Sharing experiences from hosts and renters is a crucial way to encourage new hosts and to broaden the support for homestay rentals. Therefor Hospi Housing visited a number of hosts and tenants together with the local aldermen. Read their experiences here!

Sharing experiences from hosts and tenants is a crucial way to encourage new hosts and to broaden the support for homestay rentals. That's why this summer, Hospi Housing, along with the aldermen from several major cities, visited various hosts and tenants. This allowed them to share their stories and, in some cases, request the alderman to relax or simplify policies. For the involved aldermen, this was also a great opportunity to demonstrate that the policy around homestay rentals works and has a positive impact on city residents!

In this blog, you'll read stories from Maastricht, Eindhoven, Wageningen, Groningen, and Amsterdam. In another blog, we will share experiences from visits in Leiden, Tilburg, Utrecht, Nijmegen, and The Hague. Would you like to share your story too? Let us know!

Maastricht: 'Connecting established and new residents'

"Respect for Komal, who had already taken Dutch lessons before coming to the Netherlands and now, after a year, speaks Dutch very well. And Monique, who has introduced her to both the city and its culture," Alderman Johan Pas was convinced after his visit to host Monique in the Amby district. "Hospi Housing is a beautiful combination of having affordable living space and social contact."

In Maastricht, one must officially own a house to rent out a room. But that might change in the future, if Alderman Johan Pas has his way. "Homestay rentals are very beneficial for the municipalities and their residents, relieving pressure on student rooms. That's why we are in discussions with housing corporations to make homestay rentals possible for tenants as well."

Challenges Overcome in Eindhoven

Eindhoven is the first city in North Brabant where Hospi Housing has launched a campaign to promote homestay rentals as a solution for the room shortage. Homestay rentals had just been allowed following a policy change by the city. This initially presented challenges, as homestay rentals were still relatively unknown and we had several hurdles to overcome. We have now established a solid base in Eindhoven, and homestay rentals are becoming an increasingly important solution for the room shortage in Eindhoven.

Alderman Mieke Verhees is a big fan of homestay rentals and proud that 'Eindhoven is the only city in the Netherlands where all housing corporations allow homestay rentals'. During a work visit, she stopped by homestay Elfi Gilissen and host Wim Baltussen to discuss their experiences with homestay rentals.

In Wageningen, homestay rentals aren't just for students

Being a host younger than the person you rent to. It's not common, but it can be done. Jochem Jonkman works at Wageningen University and is currently renting a room to Rachel, an Australian professor who teaches and researches in Wageningen. "I've had housemates before and I find it a nice change because otherwise, I live alone."

Alderman Anne Janssen is enthusiastic and emphasized during the visit that the city of Wageningen embraces homestay rentals. 'Renting out a room in your house doesn't require a permit, you help someone else, and it also earns you something!'

Groningen: 'Homestay Rental Successful Experiment'

Italian Anna (26) studies in Groningen and has been living with Marjan and her daughter for six months now. Anna is extremely happy to be living with Marjan. "She's really wonderful to me; I was immediately included in the family. When I came to Groningen, I had homesickness. Marjan immediately made sure I felt at ease and helped me with everything I wanted to know."

After her divorce, Marjan decided to open up the attic floor for room rental. "My two oldest daughters have already moved out, only my 12-year-old daughter still lives here regularly. The attic was barely used, there were only some of my own stuff. A waste, so it seemed like a good plan to rent out that space."

Since 2022, the city of Groningen has been experimenting with homestay rentals. Due to past nuisances, the rules for sharing housing are strict. In the first phase of the pilot, Hospi Housing has been able to demonstrate that homestay rentals bring great benefits for tenants, residents, and the city. Alderman Rik van Niejenhuis looks positively at the pilot and the city of Groningen has since announced that it will adjust the policy to allow homestay rentals.

Amsterdam Embraces Homestay Rentals, more and more is possible

On Wednesday, November 20, we went along with Alderman Dirk de Jager to visit host Sofie in her apartment in the Zeeheldenbuurt. Sofie is one of our most engaged hosts and has already helped several young people find a nice place to live in Amsterdam. But it wasn't easy. Sofie rents from a housing corporation, and they were very much against the idea of renting out a room in the house.

"My son has moved out and hardly ever sleeps at home anymore. I thought it would be nice to rent out the room, but the corporation was very negative about it." When Sofie asked for permission, all the arguments came up: "It could have consequences for my tax situation, and the tenant could build up rental rights, making them refuse to leave."

Fortunately, Sofie decided to persevere and (thanks to hosts like Sofie) Amsterdam housing corporations are beginning to change their attitude towards homestay rentals. "I'm glad the corporations are positive," says Alderman for Housing Dirk de Jager. "We also contributed by making homestay rentals license-free." De Jager hopes that corporations will quickly set aside their initial skepticism. "But I'm waiting for the results of the pilot, it's too early to judge now."

The number of Amsterdam hosts is definitely on the rise. While about 1900 students lived with a host in 2020, this has already risen to 2400 in 2023, according to the National Student Housing Monitor by Kences. Sofie remains active and, as the figures show, more and more Amsterdammers are taking this step!

Interested in homestay rentals?

These visits confirm that homestay rentals not only provide a solution for the room shortage but also enrich the lives of many city residents. Interested in renting out a room yourself? Sign up easily and for free via Hospi Housing. For municipalities, housing corporations, and other organizations that want to know more: feel free to contact us!