Cohabitation and registration: tenants in the Netherlands

If you are a tenant who cohabits or arranges lodging, questions often arise about municipal registration, joint tenancy and rights in case of a dispute. In the Netherlands rules from the Civil Code Book 7 and municipal registration practices determine who counts as a tenant, which obligations concern maintenance and payment, and which steps you can take if disagreements occur. This guide explains in clear language what registration means, when someone may be considered a joint tenant, which proof documents are important and how to act practically in disputes about rent, service charges or maintenance. The information helps you make decisions and points to official bodies for mediation or judgment.

What does registration mean when cohabiting?

Registration with the municipality indicates where someone has their main residence. For tenants in the Netherlands, registration can be relevant for benefits, mail and proof of residence, but registration alone does not automatically determine who is the contractual tenant. More important are the rental contract, payment of rent and who is listed on the agreement. Photos, payment receipts and emails also count as evidence.^[1]

Rights and obligations for joint tenancy and lodging

If you cohabit without a joint rental contract, this can affect liability and access to rights linked to the contract. A joint tenant is usually named on the contract and shares obligations; lodging is often less formal but can still create housing rights depending on the circumstances. In disputes, the subdistrict court or the Rent Tribunal will consider which evidence exists about agreements and actual use.

Maintenance and repairs

For defects, the landlord is usually responsible for major maintenance and basic habitability. Keep a record of reports and landlord responses; this helps for later steps.

• Report defects in writing and note the date and time.
• Keep photos and communication as proof of the report and response.
• If repairs are not carried out, consider requesting action in writing or having repairs done at the landlord’s expense after legal advice.

Practical steps in a dispute

Start by collecting documents: rental contract, proof of payment, photos and reports. Try to communicate in writing first and ask for a solution. If that fails you can consider official procedures, such as filing a complaint with the Rent Tribunal for rent or service charge disputes or a claim at the subdistrict court for other contractual issues.^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register if I cohabit without a contract?

Yes, anyone who actually resides at an address must register with the municipality; registration, however, does not automatically determine contractual rental rights.^[3]

When am I a joint tenant?

You are a joint tenant if you are named on the rental agreement or if parties can show they jointly entered into the rental agreement and share payments and decisions.

Where can I bring a dispute about service charges or rent?

For rent and service charge issues you can file a case with the Rent Tribunal; other matters may be brought before the subdistrict court.

How-To

1. Collect documents: rental agreement, payment receipts and photos.
2. Communicate in writing with the landlord and request repair or explanation within a reasonable time.
3. If uncertain about joint tenancy, discuss with the landlord or seek legal advice.
4. For rent or service charge disputes: prepare evidence and file an application with the Rent Tribunal.
5. If mediation fails, consider court proceedings and monitor deadlines and evidence carefully.

Help and Support / Resources

• Rent Tribunal - information and forms
• Wetten.nl - relevant legal texts (Civil Code Book 7)
• Government.nl - municipal registration guidance

1. [1] Wetten.nl - Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7
2. [2] Huurcommissie
3. [3] Government.nl - municipal registration