In this article, we’ve summarized everything for you. Whether you rent out a room, studio, or apartment, or manage multiple properties, you must always comply with current laws and regulations. Quickly and easily find out which rules apply, what to pay attention to in order to avoid fines, and how to rent out your property in Rotterdam responsibly.
From 2025, landlords in Rotterdam must comply with the Good Landlordship Act, the Affordable Rent Act, and fixed rental contract rules. Renting out rooms requires a permit, and purchase protection applies in some neighbourhoods. Proper compliance prevents fines and promotes responsible renting.
The municipality of Rotterdam enforces strict rental rules to ensure homes remain safe and affordable. They also want to prevent issues such as housing misuse or neighbourhood nuisance. The rules protect both tenants and landlords from unwanted practices.
Since 1 July 2023, the Good Landlordship Act has been in force. This means landlords are required to follow specific behavioural rules. Key aspects include:
From 1 July 2024, the Affordable Rent Act is in effect. This law introduces a points system used to calculate the maximum rental price of a property, preventing unreasonably high rents.
As of 1 January 2025, landlords are required to provide a points calculation under the housing valuation system (WWS) with all new rental agreements, regardless of whether the property is in the free sector. Municipalities will also gain the authority to actively enforce compliance with the Affordable Rent Act and impose fines for violations. In addition, rental price limits are indexed as of 1 January 2025:
These changes stem from the Affordable Rent Act, which has been in force since 1 July 2024 (huurcommissie).
From 1 July 2024, rental contracts of indefinite duration become the norm. Temporary contracts are only allowed in exceptional cases, such as:
Purchase protection is a measure in Rotterdam that means homes in sixteen neighbourhoods cannot be bought and rented out without a permit. The regulation applies to homes with a WOZ value up to €450,000 and aims to make the housing market more accessible to first-time buyers and middle-income earners.
Purchase protection applies in 16 neighbourhoods, including Blijdorp, Kralingen-Oost, Carnisse, and Tarwewijk. In these areas, the number of landlords is too high, putting pressure on availability and affordability for regular buyers. The municipality wants to ensure that people without a large budget can also buy a home.
More information on specific streets within these neighbourhoods is available via the municipality of Rotterdam.
Read: Renting out a home in 2025, what are the (new) rules.
Since 1 July 2024, the municipality of Rotterdam has relaxed the rules for room rentals to address the housing shortage:
These new regulations make it easier for tenants to find a rental property.
In certain neighbourhoods, such as Kralingen West and Carnisse, no new permits are issued for room rentals. This prevents nuisance due to a high concentration of temporary residents.
Thanks to the Affordable Rent Act, landlords can no longer set rental prices arbitrarily. The maximum rent is determined by the housing valuation system (WWS).
Since 1 May 2024, liberalized rental agreements may only be increased annually by a maximum of inflation + 1% or collective labour agreement wage growth + 1%, whichever is lower. This rule is in effect until 1 May 2029.
More information about rent increase rules can be found on official resources.
As a landlord in Rotterdam, you must ensure the property complies with fire safety regulations. This includes:
Ensure tenants register with the municipality of Rotterdam. This is mandatory under the Personal Records Database Act (BRP).
Landlords who do not comply with regulations risk high fines. The municipality of Rotterdam actively checks whether properties are rented out properly. Violations of the Good Landlordship Act or Affordable Rent Act can result in thousands of euros in fines.
Renting out a home in Rotterdam can be very profitable, but it also comes with responsibilities. Staying informed of the rules and working closely with the municipality helps you avoid problems and ensures stable rental income. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to rent successfully in 2025. List your property now on Kamer.nl and quickly find a suitable tenant for your home in Rotterdam.