Rules for housing corporations

Do you rent a home from a housing corporation and want to rent out a room? That's often perfectly possible, but it's important to know your corporation's rules. Here's what to look out for.

First things first: permission or notification

Housing corporations broadly handle hospita rental in three ways:

• it's allowed without permission or notification;
• you must notify the corporation in advance;
• you must ask permission in advance.

Most corporations apply a notification requirement with a number of conditions. So always check your corporation's website or call them. You'll often find a page on 'hospitaverhuur' or 'inwoning' (taking in a lodger).

Common conditions

• You keep living in the home yourself and remain the main tenant.
• You rent to at most one extra household.
• You charge a reasonable (basic) rent.
• You remain responsible for any nuisance.

Impact on your own rent and allowance

A tenant who registers correctly as a subtenant does not count as a co-resident for your rent allowance. Even so, it's wise to check this in advance with your municipality and corporation. Read more under benefits & allowances.

Our tip

Always ask for permission in writing and keep the confirmation. That avoids hassle and keeps everyone clear. Many corporations are positive about hospita rental, since it helps tackle the housing shortage. See also the hospita rental checklist by Rijksoverheid (in Dutch).