Room Rental in Rotterdam: conditions and rules
Room rental is a popular form of temporary room rental in Rotterdam, where a guest rents a room in a private home, often including meals. This rental form follows its own rules that differ from standard lease agreements. In this article you will find all the info on conditions, rights and obligations, specifically for Rotterdam.
What does room rental in Rotterdam entail?
In Rotterdam, a resident (host) rents out a room in their house to a guest, usually in exchange for a contribution to living and household costs such as meals or utilities. This is popular among students at Erasmus University, expats in the port city or temporary residents in neighborhoods like Kralingen or Delfshaven.
Room rental is not commercial leasing, but hospitality with rules. Nevertheless, legal standards apply to both parties.
Legal basis in Rotterdam
Main laws:
- Tenancy Act: Limited applicability; requirements for habitability and safety still apply.
- Civil Code (CC) art. 7:201 et seq.: Regulates agreements, payment and maintenance.
- Municipality of Rotterdam Housing Ordinance: Specific rules for room rental and temporary rental in Rotterdam. Check rotterdam.nl for notification requirement if more than 2 guests.
- Fire safety rules: Rotterdam requirements for smoke detectors and escape routes in shared homes.
For non-commercial room rental, full Tenancy Act protection often does not apply, but you can go to the District Court Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) for disputes.
Conditions of the room rental agreement in Rotterdam
Always make a written agreement. Important points:
1. Temporary duration
Typically short-term: 1 week to 6 months. Longer than 1 year? Risk of Tenancy Act application. Rotterdam has a notification requirement for longer room rental.
- Short: ideal for students between houses or festival-goers.
- Medium: for expats at Port of Rotterdam Authority.
2. Cost contribution
Contribution for living costs: €250-€500/month, including food/energy. Specify to prevent disputes, especially in expensive neighborhoods like Centrum or Hillegersberg.
3. Rights and obligations
Host:
- Right to timely payment and respect for privacy/house rules.
- Obligation: safe, clean room with basic facilities (bed, wifi, bathroom).
Guest:
- Right to quiet living environment and access to common areas.
- Obligation: treat the property neatly, contribute to household chores.
Rotterdam-specific rules
The Municipality of Rotterdam often requires a permit for room rental if you rent out more than 2 rooms. Airbnb-style room rental? Notify within 5 working days. For conflicts: free advice at Juridisch Loket Rotterdam (Westblaak 180).
Tips for Rotterdam
- Check fire safety: Rotterdam standards are strict.
- No deposit? Agree on a damage clause.
- Termination: reasonable notice period (1 month), in writing.
For legal assistance: District Court Rotterdam or Juridisch Loket. This way, room rental in Rotterdam remains enjoyable!