In recent years, the housing market in the Netherlands, and specifically in Amsterdam, has been increasingly strictly regulated to keep affordable housing accessible. One of the key measures within these regulations is the obligation for landlords in the middle segment to apply for a rental licence. This applies to rental properties in both the social rental sector and the regulated middle segment.
Letting permit for middle segment homes
For rental homes in the middle segment, with a bare rent up to € 1.220,40 per month, a housing permit is required. This permit is not only meant for the tenant, but is also an important obligation for landlords. This is because without this permit, landlords are not allowed to offer or rent their properties. The rental permit is tied to the specific address and occupants. This means that the permit is not transferable. If the owner rents the property to other residents, a new application for the permit must be submitted. This also applies to changes in the rental contract, such as when a new main tenant arrives or in the case of cohabitation.
How long does it take to obtain a housing permit?
Once the application for a housing permit has been submitted, it takes up to eight weeks for the Housing Department of the Municipality of Amsterdam to make a decision. Once this decision is positive, the permit will be sent by post. The permit must be applied for by the tenant, with a letter of consent from the landlord to be provided. The application can be made via this link: Rental permit application
Income limits and priority criteria
In addition to the permit requirement, income limits and priority criteria apply to regulated medium-priced rental properties. The maximum combined household income should not exceed € 75.362 per year. When a tenant leaves a social rented house of a housing association in the housing market region empty, this limit expires.
For cheaper medium-priced rental homes, with a rent up to € 1.068,34 per month, people with a lower middle income will be given priority. In 2024, this is an annual income of up to € 61.967. There is also priority for families if the property is at least 61 square metres in size and has three rooms or more.
Why a rental permit?
The rental permit for homes in the middle segment is a measure by the municipality of Amsterdam to keep the housing market accessible and regulated. Due to the strong demand for affordable rental properties, especially in popular cities like Amsterdam, these properties are in high demand. By doing so, the municipality is trying to prevent homes in the middle segment from becoming disproportionately expensive and only accessible to higher incomes. The introduction of the rental permit checks whether homes are rented to people who meet the right income criteria and whether the tenant actually fits within the segment for which the home is intended. This will keep the housing market more accessible to middle-income earners and prevent speculation and extreme rent increases.
Conclusion
For landlords in the middle segment, it is crucial to be aware of the rental licence. Indeed, non-compliance can lead to sanctions and the mandatory termination of the lease. For tenants, the licence means assurance that the property falls within their income bracket and that there is transparency about the rental conditions.
