Renting out in Zwolle

Zwolle is a growing provincial capital with a lively student and starter population, helped by Windesheim University of Applied Sciences. The shortage of student rooms is estimated at around 500, and at student housing provider SSH there are sometimes 60 to 90 applicants per room. The city is building hundreds of extra student homes through 2035, but until those arrive, hospita rental is a welcome addition.

Hospita rental: exempt

In 2025 the municipality relaxed its rules for sharing a home. Living-in is now allowed in all residential zones without a permit, and hospita rental and 'friends contracts' count as an exemption: if you rent out space while living there yourself, you don't need a conversion permit. Minimum floor-area requirements do apply, so the home stays livable.

Renting to more people

Genuine room rental faces stricter rules than hospita rental and living-in. Whether it's allowed depends on the zone (city centre, other urban area, or rural area) and on minimum floor areas; homes that are too small may not be split. The 2025 relaxation has already produced dozens of permits and extra living spaces. Some neighbourhoods also have buy-to-let protection.

Official info: gemeente Zwolle: sharing a home (in Dutch). As of June 2026. Always check the current rules with your municipality.

For the national rules, see General rules for room rental. Also check the impact on your municipal taxes.