Onderhuur (Subletting)
Understanding the Dutch rental term "Onderhuur" and what it means for tenants in the Netherlands.
Definition
The practice of renting out part or all of your rental property to a third party. In the Netherlands, most rental contracts prohibit onderhuur without the landlord's explicit written permission. Subletting without permission can lead to eviction.
When You'll Encounter This
You will encounter the concept of onderhuur when you travel for an extended period and want someone to stay in your apartment, or if a roommate wants to move in.
Example
You leave for a six-month internship abroad and sublet your room to a friend without telling your landlord. The landlord discovers the arrangement and starts eviction proceedings because the contract explicitly forbids onderhuur.
Practical Tip
Always get written permission from your landlord before subletting. For social housing, subletting is almost never allowed and can result in losing your tenancy permanently. If you have a legitimate need, the landlord may agree to a temporary arrangement.
Related Terms
The legally binding agreement between a landlord (verhuurder) and a tenant (huurder) that sets out the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including the rent amount, deposit, duration, house rules, and responsibilities.
The set of legal protections that prevent a landlord from arbitrarily terminating a tenancy or raising rent beyond legal limits.
A specific type of rental where the landlord lives in the same property and rents out a room to a tenant.
Find Your Next Rental Property in the Netherlands
Stop wasting hours searching rental websites. Get real-time notifications the moment new properties are listed.
Free forever · No credit card required