Can I still rent out my home temporarily?
Yes, you can through an interim lease agreement with a diplomatic clause or if you rent to a specific target group. The diplomatic clause is suitable if you are temporarily staying elsewhere, for example, for work or a sabbatical, and then want to return to your home. The tenant knows in advance that the rental ends upon your return.
A temporary contract can also be drawn up for certain target groups, such as students.
Can I extend a temporary contract?
With a diplomatic clause, it is possible to extend for a fixed term if both parties agree. Other temporary contracts cannot be extended for a fixed term. If these are not terminated, the contract automatically converts to a permanent contract.
When does my property fall under the private sector?
If your property scores above 187 WWS points, it falls under the private sector. As of January 1, 2025, it is mandatory to include a WWS points count with the rental agreement. If your property falls below 187 points, you are obligated to charge the basic rent that corresponds to the WWS points system.
Where can I perform a WWS points system?
You can perform a WWS points system yourself on the Rent Assessment Committee website (www.huurcommissie.nl/support/huurprijscheck). If you would like a professional points system, we can have one of our partners perform this check for an additional fee.
Which service charges can I charge to the tenant?
Major maintenance of a property is the owner’s responsibility, but daily maintenance such as cleaning the common areas and electricity, gas, and water consumption can be passed on. For a complete overview of what can be passed on, you can read the service charges decree via this link: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0014932/2014-07-01
Can I pass on my municipal taxes?
OZB consists of two components: owner and user. You can pass the user fee on to the tenant by including it in the rent. Property tax (OZB) is the municipal tax for waste collection and sewerage. Normally, once tenants are registered, the municipality automatically charges them this fee.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the apartment?
The maintenance of a property is divided between the tenant and the landlord, as stipulated by law. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance, while the tenant is responsible for minor maintenance, such as unclogging a blockage or replacing a light bulb or switch. For a complete overview, please visit this link: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/woning-huren/vraag-en-antwoord/welke-kosten-zijn-voor-de-huurder-en-welke-voor-de-verhuurder
Do I have to keep the utilities in my name?
For billing and liability purposes, it’s easier to cancel all utilities if possible. We can also assist tenants with this.
If you would like to keep the utilities in your own name, you can, but you will then have to prepare a statement at the end of the year to offset the actual costs against the advance payments.
Is an energy label mandatory for renting out a property?
Yes, you are legally required to provide the tenant with the energy label. Energy indexation is taken into account when calculating the points score. We can arrange this for you for an additional fee.
Can I rent out my property if I haven’t yet received a WOZ value for my new-build or renovated home?
No, it is important that you have a valid WOZ value. If the tenant applies to the Rent Assessment Committee and the WOZ value is not available at the start of the lease, the property will be undervalued. There is a good chance that the tenant will be given the benefit of the doubt, which can be quite financially inconvenient.
Do I need to inform my mortgage lender that I plan to rent out my property?
If you want to rent out your property, you legally need official permission from the bank. This is often not a problem if you meet the requirements. For example, if your property is for sale or you are going abroad for a period of time.
Is the tenant insured, and what insurance is recommended?
A tenant is not required to have liability insurance, but we strongly recommend it and can assist tenants with this. If the property is furnished and therefore uses its own inventory, we advise tenants to take out contents insurance.
