Renting out your house in 2025: Which (new) rules apply?

The rules around renting out a property are constantly evolving. From 2025, several new laws and policy changes will take effect that can significantly impact landlords. In this blog, we provide a complete and reliable overview of the key changes and what you can do as a landlord to be well prepared. This information is based on current legislation and reliable sources such as the Rental Committee, Woonbond, and government documents.

Which new rules apply when renting out a house?

From 2025, the following will apply: mandatory point system for every rental contract, permanent rental contracts as the norm (temporary ones almost completely abolished), stricter rent limits via the Affordable Rent Act, and new maximum rent increases: 4.1% (free sector), 7.7% (mid-range rent), 5% or €25 (social housing).

 

Why is 2025 a crucial year for landlords?

In 2025, new laws will be introduced aimed at making the housing market fairer and more sustainable. These changes affect both private landlords and professional property owners. It's essential to understand now what these changes entail and how they could impact your position as a landlord.

 

Affordable Rent Act

Since 1 July 2024, the Affordable Rent Act has been in effect. This law aims to keep mid-range rental homes affordable and prevents properties from being rented at excessively high prices. This is done by expanding the housing valuation system (WWS) to properties up to 186 points. These rules also apply to renting to expats. Homes scoring between 144 and 186 points now fall under regulated mid-range rent, with a maximum rent of €1,157.95 per month (price level July 2024).

What does this mean if you rent out a home?

  • New rental contracts from 1 July 2024 must comply with the maximum rent based on the point system.
  • Existing contracts for homes with up to 143 points may need adjustment if the rent exceeds the set limit.
  • In some cases, rent must be reduced immediately; in others, a transition period applies until 1 July 2025.

 

Mandatory point system

From 1 January 2025, landlords are required to provide a point calculation of the property with every new rental contract. This gives tenants insight into how the rent is calculated and helps prevent disputes later on. Municipalities will monitor compliance and can issue fines for violations.

 

Protection for tenants

This law offers tenants better protection against excessive rent. If a property is rented out above the allowed amount, they can file a complaint with the Rental Committee, which can issue a binding decision on the correct rent.

What does this mean for you as a landlord?

  • You are not allowed to charge more rent than permitted under the point system.
  • You must clearly inform tenants about the point system and how the rent is calculated.
  • Municipalities can impose fines if you don’t follow the rules.

Want to know more about the Affordable Rent Act and how it affects your rental plans? Check the official government website.

 

Fixed Rental Contracts Act

Since 1 July 2024, the Fixed Rental Contracts Act has been in force. This means that open-ended rental contracts are once again the standard. Temporary contracts, which had become increasingly popular in recent years, are now largely a thing of the past. But what does this mean for you as a landlord?

Why this legislative change?

The government wants to give tenants more security. The option of temporary contracts often caused uncertainty, as tenants had to find new housing again after one or two years. By reintroducing fixed contracts as the norm, tenants gain more stability.

What exactly changes?

From 1 July 2024:

  • New rental contracts are standard open-ended contracts.
  • Temporary rental contracts of up to two years are no longer allowed in most cases.
  • Existing temporary contracts remain valid until the agreed end date, but if you enter into a new contract with the same tenant after 1 July 2024, it must be a permanent contract.

Are temporary contracts completely banned?

No, there are a few exceptions. In certain cases, you may still offer a temporary contract, such as:

  • For student housing – students can still receive a temporary contract because they usually move after graduation.
  • Urgent housing seekers – for example, people who need a temporary solution due to a divorce or emergency.
  • Temporary rental due to demolition or renovation – if a home is scheduled for demolition or major renovation, temporary rental is allowed.

What does this mean for you as a landlord?

If you want to rent out a property, you need to consider that tenants have more rights and security. This means you can't simply terminate the rental after one or two years.

  • Proper screening becomes even more important – since it's harder to remove tenants, it's wise to thoroughly check if a tenant is reliable and suits your property.
  • Think about your long-term strategy – you can’t easily replace tenants, so aim for stable and reliable tenants.

Can you still evict a permanent tenant?

Yes, but only under certain conditions, such as:

  • In case of rent arrears – if a tenant hasn't paid rent for several months, you can go to court.
  • In case of nuisance – such as severe noise nuisance or illegal activities in the home.
  • If you urgently need the property yourself – this is only possible if it's contractually agreed in advance and well substantiated.

Read also: All rights and obligations for landlords at a glance (2025)

 

Energy label requirements

As a landlord, you are required to mention the energy label when advertising a rental property – even in the ad. This label shows how energy efficient the home is and helps tenants estimate monthly energy costs.

Don’t have an energy label yet? Request one now!

You must have it issued by a certified energy advisor. The process includes a home inspection, after which the advisor assigns the label based on insulation, heating systems, and other energy-saving features.

Want to check your current energy label or request a new one? Visit the official government website.

 

Rent increase percentages in 2025

Since 1 January 2025, new rules apply for maximum rent increases in the Netherlands. This affects free sector, mid-range, and social rental homes. The percentages are based on inflation and wage development, so each category has different limits.

Rent increase by housing type

  1. Maximum rent increase for free sector homes

Free sector homes are limited to an annual rent increase of 4.1%, based on inflation and wage growth.

What qualifies as free sector?

  • Independent rental homes (studios, apartments, family homes)
  • Homes with an initial rent above the liberalization threshold
  • Applies also to mooring spots for houseboats
  1. Maximum rent increase for mid-range homes

In 2025, the allowed increase is 7.7%, based on collective wage agreements (+1 percentage point).

What qualifies as mid-range?

  • Initial rent in second half of 2024: above €879.66 and up to €1,157.95
  • Initial rent in 2025: above €900.07 and up to €1,184.82
  • Homes with 144 to 187 points (WWS)

Even if your contract includes a higher increase, you cannot go above 7.7%, and the new rent must remain within the WWS maximum.

Tip: Unsure about your rent cap? Use the Rental Price Check tool.

  1. Maximum rent increase for social housing

From 1 July 2025:

  • 5% increase if the base rent is €350 or more
  • Flat increase of €25 if the rent is below €350
  • Extra increase for higher-income tenants to encourage transition to the free sector

 

Useful tips for landlords

In 2025, landlords have more responsibilities. Beyond legal limits, it's crucial to stay on top of contracts, housing quality, and sustainability.

  • Contract terms matter – Rent increases depend on what's written in the contract. But they can’t exceed legal caps.
  • Verify maximum rent – For social and mid-range homes, use the point system to ensure your rent still fits the home quality.
  • Energy-efficient homes are more attractive – Labels A or B appeal to tenants amid rising energy costs. Consider investing in sustainable upgrades.
  • Enforcement and objections – Tenants can object to illegal increases. Make sure your rent raise is well documented and justified.

 

Renting out my house with Kamer.nl

Have questions about renting out your property? Feel free to contact us.

Got a room, studio, apartment or entire house for rent? List it for free on Kamer.nl and quickly find the right tenant!

 

Planning to rent out an extra room in your home? Check out this article.
Want to know more about renting to expats? Read this article.