Want to rent out a room in your home? Here are the rules in Maastricht

Considering renting out a room (or rooms) in your home to a student? These are the rules about homestay rental in Maastricht.

The magnificent old buildings, charming streets, gourmet eateries, and cozy pubs make Maastricht a unique place to live and study. Every year, thousands of students flock to Maastricht to study seriously - at institutions like Maastricht University or Zuyd Hogeschool - and of course, to enjoy all the city has to offer.

This influx of students, however, brings its challenges: Maastricht has been facing a significant room shortage for years. Thankfully, there's an excellent solution: homestay rental. As a host, you rent out part of your home, for example to a student. This benefits not only the tenant but also potential hosts. We'll discuss this in more detail later. First, let's explore the rules concerning homestay rental. After all, is it allowed to rent out a room in and around Maastricht?

Renting out a room just outside Maastricht

If you live (just) outside the city and think, 'students aren't looking for rooms here,' think again. While many students find the city attractive, many prefer a quieter setting with more greenery.

So, if you live in one of the nearby municipalities like Meerssen, Valkenburg, or Eijsden, you can (or should) register as a host. For many students, a spot outside the city is ideal: they enjoy the tranquility while being able to quickly access the city's bustle via public transport or by bike.

The rules concerning Homestay Rental in Maastricht

Like many major student cities, the municipality of Maastricht is striving to address the room shortage. Thus, Maastricht has more lenient rules concerning lodging rental compared to regular rentals. However, landlords must meet specific criteria. Here are the rules:

In Maastricht, lodging rental doesn't require a permit if you also live in the house, rent out no more than two rooms to one person per room, and share the kitchen and bathroom with the tenant.

You can find the exact rules on the Maastricht municipality's website.

Collaboration between the Maastricht municipality and Hospi Housing

The rules are quite flexible. To further promote lodging rental, the Maastricht municipality collaborated with us, Hospi Housing, and Maastricht University in 2022. You can read all about this partnership in this press release.

Why should you rent out a room in your home?

Your first thought might be 'to earn extra income'. While that's great (you can earn up to € 5998 tax-free!), there are many other reasons to become a landlord. For instance…

1. It's a fun experience

Engaging with the new generation of students is refreshing and inspiring for many. Young people often bring fresh perspectives, offering hosts a new outlook on the world. Sharing your home with a student can lead to engaging conversations, a deeper understanding of each other's cultures, and even new friendships.

2. You support the younger generation

By renting out a room, you contribute to the growth of young academics. Many students move to Maastricht for their studies and need a comfortable, stable place to focus on their education. As a host, you play a vital role in this.

3. Homestay Rental offers flexible rental terms

As a host, the contract you sign with a student doesn't offer rent protection. Moreover, the first nine months of the contract serve as a trial period: hosts can end the contract during this time without giving a reason. This flexibility ensures you're not tied down unexpectedly.

In summary, an excellent solution for everyone…

As a host, you not only earn extra income, but you also get companionship and flexibility. At Hospi Housing, you decide who you rent a room in your home to.

If hosting interests you, we warmly invite you to register for free. We guide and support you throughout the entire room rental process, ensuring a worry-free start to your homestay rental journey. Hope to see you soon!