Lodger Agreement Template for Netherlands

A Lodger Agreement is a legal contract between a homeowner and someone who rents a room in their house while the owner continues living there. Under Dutch law, this differs from a standard rental agreement because the lodger shares living spaces like the kitchen or bathroom with the hoofdbewoner (main resident).

These agreements spell out key details like rent payments, house rules, and notice periods. They're popular in Dutch university cities where housing is scarce. Unlike regular tenancy contracts, lodger agreements offer less protection to the renter and more flexibility for the homeowner under the Dutch Civil Code, making them a practical solution for temporary living arrangements.

Use a Lodger Agreement when renting out a room in your home while continuing to live there yourself. This agreement becomes essential in Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht, where homeowners often take in students or young professionals to help cover mortgage costs or make use of extra space.

The agreement proves particularly valuable when sharing common areas like kitchens and bathrooms with your lodger. It helps establish clear boundaries, payment terms, and house rules upfront. Dutch law offers more flexibility with lodger arrangements than standard rental contracts, making them ideal for temporary housing solutions or when testing if home-sharing works for you.

• Fixed-term lodger agreements: Set a specific rental period, usually 6-12 months, ideal for student housing
• Indefinite period agreements: Open-ended arrangements with flexible notice periods
• All-inclusive agreements: Cover utilities, internet, and cleaning services in one fee
• Basic room-only agreements: Focus on space rental with separate utility arrangements
• Shared business space agreements: Specifically for professional lodgers using home offices during business hours

• Homeowners (Hoofdbewoners): Dutch property owners who rent out rooms while living in their homes, responsible for drafting and enforcing the agreement
• Lodgers (Kamerhuurders): Often students, young professionals, or temporary workers seeking flexible accommodation in Dutch cities
• Legal Advisors: Help ensure agreements comply with Dutch housing laws and protect both parties' interests
• Housing Associations: May assist in setting up agreements and mediating disputes between parties
• Municipality Officials: Monitor compliance with local housing regulations and registration requirements

• Property Details: Document the exact room location, shared spaces, and any included furniture or appliances
• Financial Terms: Set monthly rent, deposit amount, utility arrangements, and payment deadlines
• House Rules: List specific guidelines about guests, noise, cleaning responsibilities, and shared space usage
• Personal Information: Gather identification details, employment status, and contact information for both parties
• Duration Terms: Define the agreement period, notice requirements, and conditions for early termination
• Legal Compliance: Check local municipality requirements for room rental and registration obligations

• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and contact information of both hoofdbewoner and lodger
• Property Description: Specific room location, shared facilities, and access rights within the property
• Financial Terms: Monthly rent amount, deposit, payment dates, and utility cost arrangements
• Duration Clause: Agreement period, notice requirements, and termination conditions
• House Rules: Clear guidelines for property use, guests, noise, and shared space protocols
• Liability Section: Insurance requirements, damage responsibilities, and maintenance obligations
• Privacy Terms: Data protection commitments and personal information handling procedures

A Lodger Agreement differs significantly from a Agency Agreement in several key aspects, though both involve contractual relationships between parties sharing space or services. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right agreement type under Dutch law.

• Legal Relationship: Lodger Agreements create a personal housing arrangement between homeowner and lodger, while Agency Agreements establish a business relationship between principal and agent
• Property Rights: Lodgers have limited rights to shared spaces and must follow house rules, whereas agents typically have broader authority to act on behalf of their principal
• Duration and Flexibility: Lodger Agreements often feature shorter terms and more flexible termination options, compared to Agency Agreements' more formal, long-term commitments
• Legal Protection: Lodgers receive fewer tenant rights under Dutch law, while agents enjoy specific protections under commercial law and agency regulations