Renting out a property? Then you’ll want to avoid surprises due to changing regulations. From January 1, 2025, a lot is changing for landlords: stricter rent price controls, new rules for temporary contracts, and stricter transparency requirements. The housing points system also becomes mandatory—directly affecting the maximum rent you can ask. In this blog, we’ll break down the changes clearly so you can rent without hassle.
A semi-furnished property must at least include:
Extra features like built-in closets and washing machines can make your rental more attractive to tenants.
A semi-furnished property includes the basics such as flooring, curtains, and lighting, but no furniture. Tenants must bring their own furniture. This type of rental sits between bare and fully furnished and is often chosen for longer rental periods.
There are two other rental types:
From January 1, 2025, several rental rules are changing. These affect both tenants and landlords. Here are the key legal changes explained simply.
Starting in 2025, landlords must show the housing points (WWS score) of their rental. This system determines whether a property falls under social housing, mid-range, or private sector rent. The furnishing itself doesn’t count for points, but luxury items like a modern kitchen or bathroom do. The points system also applies to semi-furnished properties, making it easier for tenants to check whether the rent is fair.
The government wants to reduce temporary leases. Municipalities will have more power to act if a landlord asks too much rent. This is to protect tenants from unfair prices and uncertain contracts.
From 2025, new rental price limits apply, including for semi-furnished rentals:
Maximum rent increases are also set:
Suppose you rent out a semi-furnished 60 m² apartment in Utrecht to a young working couple. According to the WWS, your property scores 172 points.
What does that mean for 2025?
With 172 points, your property falls in the mid-range category.
This means you can charge a maximum of €1,184.82—even if the market would pay more.
Note: If your property scores below 187 points, you can’t rent it in the private sector. You’ll miss out on potential income if you fall just below that threshold.
Say you're charging €1,100 per month in 2024. From July 1, 2025, a 7.7% max rent increase applies to mid-range housing.
New rent calculation:
€1,100 x 1.077 = €1,184.70
Good news: you're just under the €1,184.82 limit. You can increase the rent, but there's no room to go higher—unless you score more points.
Whether you're renting out an extra room or an entire house, you'll need to consider surcharges and tax rules.
Yes, landlords can charge a furnishing fee. This is considered a service cost and must be reasonable and transparent. For example, a €500 dishwasher with a 10-year lifespan could result in a monthly charge of €4.17.
You're also required to provide tenants with a yearly overview of these service costs, including receipts. This keeps things clear and avoids disputes, as confirmed by HJ Law.
Renting out property in the Netherlands is usually exempt from VAT. However, certain services like furnishings may be subject to VAT. If you charge separately for furnishings, you may need to include VAT.
Also, asking for a key money fee when signing a lease is not allowed, since there’s no return service for it. This is confirmed by the Dutch government.
When in doubt, contact the tax authorities or a tax advisor to ensure you’re compliant with legal obligations.
Questions about the rules? Reach out to us. Ready to rent? List your property for free on Kamer.nl and connect with thousands of house hunters.
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