Rent a room with a host who lives there too, or rent out your own spare room to a student, young professional or international. Rotterdam relaxed its rules for small-scale rental in 2024.
With some 670,000 inhabitants Rotterdam is the second city of the country. Erasmus University and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences bring many students, and the port attracts a large group of workers and internationals. Pressure is highest in the older pre-war neighbourhoods. Since 2024 the rules for small-scale rental have been relaxed, and a homestay room is often available long before a self-contained home is.
Renting out to one or two residents needs no conversion permit in Rotterdam. Since 1 July 2024 that limit has been widened.
As a live-in host you rent out to one or two people without a conversion permit.
A conversion permit is then required: at least 18 m² per person, a 50-metre distance rule, a liveability test and a separate contract per tenant. Neighbourhoods such as Bergpolder, Carnisse, Kralingen and Tarwewijk have a zero quota.
A nine-month trial period, up to €6,633 a year tax-free through the room rental exemption, and no effect on your benefits.
The municipality of Rotterdam widened the room for homestay rental in 2024, and in 2026 alderman Zeegers visited a Rotterdam host couple renting out through Hospi Housing. Hospi Housing helps Rotterdam hosts with the rules, the tenant and the contract, and supports the whole tenancy.
Not for one or two residents besides your own household. From three residents a conversion permit is required, and in several neighbourhoods none are granted any more.
Yes. Since 1 July 2024 a live-in host may rent out to at most two residents without a conversion permit.
It differs per room and neighbourhood; the current rents of the rooms on this page come straight from the platform. You share the kitchen and bathroom, which usually makes a homestay room cheaper than a studio.