Just as in other EU countries, tenant applications for renting properties in the Netherlands can get rather personal. In some situations and per landlord preference, some potential landlords may request that the employer act as a guarantor, or simply provide a reference when applying for renting properties in the Netherlands.
Renting Properties in the Netherlands: Tenancy Agreements
Spoken agreements are actually valid in the Netherlands with regards to renting properties in the Netherlands, but we strongly advise you to seek a written or typed and signed agreement; signed by both the landlord and the tenant.
Alongside the tenancy agreement, written or spoken, it is commonplace to find a notice stating the terms and conditions from any property managers or estate agents working on your or on the landlords behalf. It is possible to also receive a notice from the residents association in relation to renting properties in the Netherlands. Observe the terms and conditions, particularly those around pets, periods of notice and any fee’s or cost’s and anything involving money.
The majority of contracts for renting properties in the Netherlands will have a 12-month initial term. It will also have a one-month termination period required by both parties. In reality, it is very difficult for a landlord to dispose of a tenant without a valid and plausible explanation and excuse – always involving a court mandate. This kind of behavior can include criminal or sexually explicit or threatening behavior when renting properties in the Netherlands.
Should your stay within the Netherlands be at risk of being suddenly terminated with little to no warning time, then you should add a break clause describing and accepting your conditions when renting properties in the Netherlands.
Renting Properties in the Netherlands: Extra Fee’s
The lease agreement should indicate in a clear manner what the basic rent amount will be alongside any extra charges if present. These extra charges will include utility bills or any other service costs when renting properties in the Netherlands. It is not uncommon for any charges on top of the rental amount to include gas and electricity payments; but the landlord must present you with an account and must display the real costs at least once a year in relation to renting properties in the Netherlands.
It is illegal to permit to charge a fee without giving something in return when renting properties in the Netherlands from landlords. and over payments on utility bills being refunded. Yet, some landlords may try to charge new renters ‘additional fees’ such as, for example, a deposit. This is often referred to as a ‘key fee’, with the key often held as a ‘ransom’. Should your landlord charge you for services and not return the service, then this is an illegal transaction.
Renting Properties in the Netherlands: Moving in and Moving Out
When renting properties in the Netherlands, if the accommodation you rent is completely unfurnished, it is often a case of buying the carpet or flooring from the previous tenant. This will need to be arranged with the tenant himself or herself, as contracts will usually request that the flat is naturalized before the next tenant moves in. If not returned to a basic state, then you can be charged with the cost of doing so. This means that all flooring (bar the actual floorboards) and light fittings be taken out and the walls painted white.
Renting Properties in the Netherlands: Tenants Rights
The Dutch laws are mostly on the tenants’ side. With secure processes for kicking a tenant out and any disputes around behavior or rent or increases in rent being first taken through the authorities, landlords have very little power if they simply want you out under unfair pretenses.
For more information on Working in Netherlands or Contracting in Europe visit the Euro Accountancy & Finance Services website.
Comments (0)