Legal short-stay for tenants in the Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands you may consider short-stay renting when you travel temporarily or want extra income. Short-stay touches tenancy law, contractual agreements and often municipal rules. This guide helps tenants concretely: who pays for maintenance and small repairs, when permission from the landlord or municipality is needed, how to document agreements and which authorities to turn to in a dispute. The aim is clear, practical advice so you can better assess and legally organise short-stay rental without unnecessary risks.
What does short-stay mean?
Short-stay means temporary use of your home for guests or short-term tenants. Legally, the rental contract and Book 7 of the Civil Code often still apply to tenants and landlords[1], but local rules or permits can impose extra restrictions.
Key points
- Check permits and rules (application)
- Agree on rent and payment terms (rent)
- Arrange maintenance and small repairs (repair)
- Put agreements in writing and keep evidence (evidence)
What to do about damage or defects
If there are problems with the property, report defects to the landlord first and provide a reasonable term for repair. If the landlord does not respond, you can collect evidence and possibly involve the Rent Tribunal or court depending on the issue and desired outcome[2].
- Report repairs immediately to the landlord and describe the problem clearly (repair)
- Send a written request with a reasonable period for repair (deadline)
- Seek help in disputes: Rent Tribunal or cantonal court depending on the conflict (court)
Frequently asked questions
- Can I rent out a property short-stay as a tenant?
- That depends on your rental contract and local rules; usually you need permission from the landlord or municipality and normal tenancy rights from Book 7 of the Civil Code apply[1].
- Who pays for small repairs during short-stay?
- Small repairs are often the tenant's responsibility, while larger maintenance obligations lie with the landlord under tenancy law[1].
- When can I involve the Rent Tribunal?
- The Rent Tribunal deals with disputes about rent and service charges and issues independent decisions at the request of tenant or landlord[2].
How-to steps
- Check permits and local rules (application)
- Discuss maintenance, payment and liability with the landlord (rent)
- Create a written agreement and keep evidence of messages and payments (evidence)
- Report defects in writing and provide a reasonable repair period (deadline)
Help and support
- Wetten.overheid.nl: Burgerlijk Wetboek Book 7
- [2] Huurcommissie
- [3] Government.nl: permits and local rules
