Room Rental with Board in The Hague: Conditions and Rules
Room rental with board is a popular form of temporary room rental in The Hague, where a guest rents a room in a private home, often including meals. This form of rental follows different rules compared to standard lease agreements. In this article you will find all essential information about conditions, rights and obligations, including local The Hague regulations.
What does room rental with board entail?
In room rental with board, a private lessor (host/hostess) offers a room in their own home to a guest. The compensation usually covers living expenses such as meals, groceries or utilities. This is popular among students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, expats at international organisations and temporary residents in neighbourhoods such as the Zeeheldenkwartier or Schilderswijk.
In contrast to commercial rental, it revolves around hospitality here, but legal boundaries do apply, particularly for safety and fairness.
Legal Frameworks in The Hague
Main laws and rules:
- Rental Act: Limited applicability for non-commercial boarding houses; requirements for habitability and safety still apply.
- Civil Code Book 7 (art. 7:201 et seq.): Regulates agreements, payments and termination.
- The Hague Housing Ordinance 2023: Specific rules for room rental and temporary rental in The Hague. Permit required for more than 2 rooms or notification obligation for lodging rental (consult Municipality of The Hague).
- Fire Safety Rules: Mandatory smoke detectors and escape routes, enforced by the municipality.
Room rental with board usually falls outside the Rental Act, so less tenant protection, but the room must be safe and habitable.
Essential Conditions of the Boarding Agreement
Always enter into a written agreement. Key points:
1. Temporary Duration
Typically short-term: from days to months. Examples in The Hague:
- Short: 1-4 weeks (temporary jobs at ministries or courts).
- Medium: 3-9 months (internships at international tribunals).
After 1 year risk of main residence and application of the Rental Act.
2. Compensation Structure
Make agreements explicit:
- Fixed amount: €350-€600 p.m. (depending on neighbourhood and inclusions).
- Share costs: 40-60% rent, plus gas/water/electricity and meals.
- Extra: cleaning costs or wifi contribution.
3. Rights and Obligations
Based on reasonableness:
Host/Hostess:
- Right to timely payment.
- Right to house rules (quiet after 23:00, no nuisance).
- Obligation: safe room, basic facilities.
Guest:
- Obligation: pay, treat the property and housemates properly.
- Right: privacy in room, notice period (usually 1 month).
Resolving Conflicts in The Hague
In case of disputes:
- Legal Counter The Hague: Lutherse Burgwal 10, free advice (070-361 99 11).
- District Court The Hague: Prins Clauslaan 60, for rental disputes.
- Municipality of The Hague: Report nuisance or illegal rental via 14 070.
Tips for The Hague
- Check notification obligation for >2 guests.
- Ensure fire safety (OBM-check).
- Use model agreements from the Rent Tribunal.
In case of doubt, consult the Legal Counter The Hague or District Court The Hague.