Tenant protection & rental law

Tenant protection might sound daunting, but for hosts it's actually good news: the rules are gentler than for ordinary letting. This page explains the rights and obligations involved, so you know where you stand.

The trial period: your flexibility

The first nine months of the hospita contract are a trial period. During that time you can end the contract without giving a reason, with a notice period of three months. So you can see how living together works out before committing for the long term.

After nine months: regular tenant protection

Does your tenant stay on after the trial period? Then the contract automatically continues for an indefinite term and normal tenant protection applies. From that point you can only end the tenancy on a legal ground, for example:

• you urgently need the space yourself (urgent personal use);
• the tenant structurally fails to pay or behaves as a bad tenant;
• the tenant refuses a reasonable new rental proposal.

Your notice period as a landlord is then at least three months, increasing by one month for each year the tenant has lived there (up to a maximum of six months). The tenant can give one month's notice.

Protection of the rent

A room is non-self-contained accommodation. The maximum rent is set using the points system (the housing valuation system, WWS). If your tenant doubts the price, they can go to the Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) within six months of the start of the tenancy. A fair, correct rent prevents hassle. See also our article on the points system.

Good landlordship

Since 2023 the Good Landlordship Act has applied. Among other things it requires a written contract, a reasonable deposit (no more than two months) and equal treatment of applicants. With Hospi Housing that's all taken care of, because we draw up the contract properly for you.

Want to revisit the basics? See General rules for room rental.