What is starter rent in Amsterdam and how does it work?
Starter rent, introduced as of 1 July 2024 via the Starter Rent Act (article 7:255a Dutch Civil Code), allows Amsterdam landlords to charge young tenants (18-28 years) higher rents for mid-range rental properties in new-build or renovated buildings. The maximum rent price is €1,146 gross per month. In Amsterdam, where there is a high housing shortage, the municipality promotes this through pilots in neighbourhoods such as Amsterdam Nieuw-West and Noord to help starters find rental housing more quickly.
Pitfalls and protection in Amsterdam practice
The starter rent agreement ends automatically after a maximum of two years, without termination protection during that period. Tenants in Amsterdam are not entitled to standard rent protection, but can request a rent price check from the Rent Tribunal. Note: the municipality of Amsterdam applies strict quotas and checks for abuse, such as renting to older tenants or non-starters. In case of improper use, the agreement is declared invalid and the landlord risks fines.
Rights after expiry in Amsterdam
After two years, the property falls under standard tenancy law with full protection. Amsterdam tenants must terminate in time themselves to avoid double rent, especially in tight markets such as Oost or Zuid. Landlords may not terminate prematurely, except in cases of serious non-payment. The municipality may impose additional requirements via the Housing Allocation Ordinance, such as priority for Amsterdam residents; check the municipality of Amsterdam website for current local rules and available starter rent properties.