Apply for Short-Stay License for Tenants in Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands you may be affected by rules on tourist rentals in your building or neighborhood. This article clearly explains the steps involved in applying for a short-stay or Airbnb license, what rights and obligations you have as a tenant, and when you can report problems such as nuisance or unsafe conditions. You will receive practical tips on documentation, communication with your landlord and which authorities to contact, such as the municipality or the Rent Tribunal. The text uses simple language and gives concrete action points so you know what to do if tourist rentals affect your living conditions.
What does a license for tourist rental mean?
A license determines whether and under what conditions a dwelling may be offered temporarily for tourist use. Some municipalities have strict rules or bans to reduce nuisance and pressure on residential areas[1].
Tenants are often entitled to basic services and a safe living environment.
Who applies and who decides?
The license is usually applied for by the landlord or owner and is granted or refused by the municipality. For disputes about rental conditions or service charges the Rent Tribunal may be involved[2].
What can you do as a tenant?
If tourist rental affects your living situation, there are concrete steps you can take to raise issues and protect your rights.
- Keep evidence: photos, emails and notes with dates and times (evidence).
- Inform the landlord in writing and ask for a solution or explanation (contact).
- Request urgent repairs or measures if there are safety issues or damage (repair).
- If necessary, file a complaint or application with the municipality or the Rent Tribunal including your evidence (file).
Keep dates and copies of all communication.
Step-by-step plan
- Check local licensing requirements and any deadlines on the municipal website (deadlines).
- Contact the landlord and request written clarification or termination of tourist rental (contact).
- Document nuisance and damage: record dates, times and take photos or videos (evidence).
- File a complaint or application with the municipality or Rent Tribunal and attach your evidence (file).
Respond promptly to official letters to preserve your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I as a tenant have influence on licenses for tourist rental?
- You can file objections, make reports to the municipality and document issues so the municipality or Rent Tribunal can consider your situation.
- Can the Rent Tribunal help with short-term rentals and nuisance?
- The Rent Tribunal often handles disputes about rent and service charges; for nuisance you can also contact the municipality or, in some cases, the subdistrict court depending on the situation.[2]
- What deadlines apply for objections or applications?
- Deadlines vary by municipality; always consult local rules and the legislation in the Civil Code Book 7 for exact deadlines.[1]
Help and Support / Resources
- Laws: Civil Code Book 7 (Tenancy law)
- Rent Tribunal: information and forms
- Government.nl: local policy and permits
