Registration & house rules
Congratulations on your new home! Here's what you need to arrange when you move in.
Municipal registration (BRP)
If you live in the Netherlands, you're legally required to register at the municipality where you reside. This applies to hospitaverhuur too.
- Ideally register within 5 days of moving in. Can't manage that? No worries, registering earlier or later is also possible. Do check whether you can book an appointment online in advance
- You can do this at the town hall or online via your municipality's website
- You'll need your rental contract and ID
Registration has no impact on your host's ownership or rental rights. It's purely an administrative obligation.
For international students and expats
If you're coming from abroad, registration may work a little differently:
- From within the EU: Register at the municipality with your passport or EU ID card
- From outside the EU: You'll need your residence permit or visa, plus your rental contract
- BSN number: After registering, you'll receive a BSN (citizen service number), which you need for everything from opening a bank account to healthcare
- Birth certificate: In some cases you'll need to show an (original) birth certificate when registering as an international at a Dutch address
House rules
Your host has set up house rules. It's important to respect them, because you're living in someone's home. Common house rules cover:
- Quiet hours
- Guests and overnight visitors
- Cleaning and household chores
- Use of kitchen and bathroom
- Pets
Go over the house rules together when you move in so everything is clear. Have questions or concerns? Ask your host. Openness prevents misunderstandings.
Getting settled
The first few weeks in a new living situation can feel a bit awkward. That's completely normal. A few tips:
- Take the initiative to share a meal or a coffee together
- Show respect for the shared spaces from day one
- Communicate openly about expectations
- Give it time, it takes a few weeks to find your rhythm together
