Zaanstad municipality starts campaign to promote homestay rental

The municipality of Zaanstad has started a campaign to promote the concept of homestay rental. The municipality hopes to create the necessary extra housing for people who need it most.

Starting November 2024, the municipality of Zaanstad will launch a campaign to promote homestay rental. In homestay rental, the homeowner or tenant rents out a room in their home where they also reside. Alderman for Housing, Harrie van der Laan, explains: “Many people have an extra room in their home, and research shows that many are open to renting out this space. Temporarily renting out this space offers a solution for people seeking housing in Zaanstad. It also benefits the host, providing monthly tax-free rental income and fostering social connections.” By facilitating and promoting homestay rental, the Municipality of Zaanstad hopes to make more housing available for people looking for accommodations.

Benefits of Homestay Rental

Homestay rental offers advantages for both room-seekers and hosts. It can provide financial stability, encourage social interaction, and help someone in need of housing.

Tax-Free Host Rentals up to €5,998 per Year

Income from homestay rentals is tax-free up to €5,998 per year (2024). Rentals up to this maximum amount also do not impact any allowances the landlord may receive, such as state pensions (AOW), rent- or healthcare allowances. However, some social benefits may be affected; contact the Municipality of Zaanstad or Hospi Housing for more information.

Homestay Rental Often Allowed in Zaanstad without a Permit

In Zaanstad, renting one room to one person is allowed without a permit. An exception applies in the Poelenburg and Peldersveld areas, where the tenant needs a housing permit. It doesn’t matter if you are the owner or the tenant of the property. However, it’s important to check with your housing corporation, landlord, or mortgage provider to ensure they allow subletting.

Trial Period of 9 Months

Many people find the idea of renting a room exciting and wonder if it suits them. For this reason, the first 9 months of the rental contract serve as a trial period in homestay rental. During these months, the host can terminate the rental without reason with a notice period of 3 months. This means the tenant has 3 months to move after the host has given notice. This way, it’s possible to try homestay rentals temporarily without a long-term commitment. Please note: after 9 months, normal tenant protections apply.

Campaign in Zaanstad

Homestay rentals have become increasingly popular for both room-seekers and hosts. The Dutch government has also made homestay rental a priority as a solution to the housing shortage. The Municipality of Zaanstad aims to inform and encourage its residents about the benefits of homestay rentals.

The campaign focuses on reaching room-seekers and residents of Zaanstad. Homestay rentals offer benefits for the tenant, host, and the city. Hosts earn an extra income, while the current housing shortages, increasing loneliness, and rising expenses make a resurgence of host rentals in Zaanstad a logical step.

Partnership with Parteon Housing Corporation

Do what is possible: Parteon Housing Corporation is a perfect example of this. Following a successful pilot, Parteon and Hospi Housing began a partnership in the summer of 2024. Parteon tenants with an extra room can rent it out to someone else for a fee. If you are a Parteon tenant, visit the Parteon website to see how you can start renting out a room.

Personal Guidance from Hospi Housing

For the next two years, Zaanstad will collaborate with Hospi Housing, the largest homestay rental platform in the Netherlands. Room-seekers, potential hosts, and host families can register easily and for free. Hospi Housing provides personal assistance and guidance in renting out a room at home. As a host, Hospi Housing supports you in finding a suitable candidate and renting out the room. Those interested in learning more about the benefits of host rentals can contact them for a personal introduction. Learn more here about how Hospi Housing works for hosts and host families.

Daan Donkers, co-founder of Hospi Housing, says: “Renting out a room at home is no small matter. That’s why an employee always makes personal contact. We work with you to find the best approach. We help you with every step, such as drafting a rental agreement. Then, we search for a suitable tenant. At the same time, we ensure that room-seekers pay a fair rent and find a safe place to stay.”

For more information, please contact: Daan Donkers, founder of Hospi Housing, +31 681 872 586, info@hospihousing.com