Do you want to rent out your property in 2026?

Do you want to rent out your property in 2026?

Discover the key rules, permits, risks, and opportunities in Rotterdam, including expert expat advice from Rotterdam Rental Service.

Short answer

No, not without conditions.
In the Netherlands, and especially in Rotterdam, strict rental regulations apply in 2026.

1. Mortgage conditions

In 90% of cases, a regular residential mortgage does not allow subletting or renting out.
You will need one of the following:

• Permission from your bank
• Switching to a buy-to-let mortgage
• A mortgage-free property (then renting is allowed)

2. Municipal regulations (Rotterdam)

Rotterdam imposes additional requirements for landlords:

• Housing permit (huisvestingsvergunning) for certain properties
  (check via the municipality)
• WWS points must be correct
  → Official WWS check via the Huurcommissie
• No tourist rentals without the proper permit
• No room-by-room rentals in zero-quota (nulquotum) areas

3. Contract types (ROZ 2025)

Allowed rental contracts in 2025/2026 include:

• Indefinite-term contracts (standard)
• Fixed-term contracts of 12–24 months (if the landlord is an expat)
• Short-stay for expats (only under the correct conditions)

4. Who can rent out easily?

• Properties without a mortgage
• Properties in the free sector with more than 187 WWS points
• Rental expat
  (lower risk, stable income, faster rental process)