Moving to A Rental House: What Should You Pay Attention to?

Have you found your ideal rental home? Congratulations! The move can almost begin. There is a figure of things you need to arrange or pay attention to when moving to a rental house. Then you can pack your moving boxes with confidence.

A good rental agreement can prevent disagreements. Every reason to consider this. Check whether all the evidence entered is correct. It is important that you know what is and what is not included in the rental price. This way you do not face unexpected expenses. Also make clear agreements about the deposit, which you will get back at the end of the rental period if everything has been left as agreed.

In general, a minimum rental period is agreed. You cannot leave the house during that period. After this period you can leave the house with due observance of the notice period which is equal to the payment period. A contract with a maximum rental period can only be concluded in specific situations, for example if the landlord is staying abroad or if the house is rented out under the Vacancy Act. Keep in mind that the landlord may increase the rent after a minimum of 12 months.

Inspecting the rental property

When you move into the house, you would do well to walk through the house, preferably together with the landlord, and note all defects. If necessary, take photos, so that it is certain that no disagreement can arise about the exact defects. This way you evade having to pay for defects that were already in the home.

If a window does break, the sink is full of scratches or there are defects in the kitchen, it is important that you and the landlord have stated in the rental agreement who is liable for this. More information about the transfer of a rental property can be found in our corresponding moving tip.

Gas water and light

With some rental properties, gas, water and light are included in the rent as standard, but normally you have to go after this yourself. Make sure that gas, water and light are arranged on the day you receive the key.

You therefore conclude your energy contract no later than two weeks before your moving day. Are you curious how much gas, water and light will cost in your new rental home? Then use our tool to compare different providers.

Register at the municipality

It is essential to pass on your new address details to the municipality, even if you move within the same municipality. You must do this in 5 days of the relocation date. You can often do this online via the municipality's website, with your DigiD data. After a few days, you will have a letter at your new address with the news that you have registered. In our corresponding relocation tip, you will find more information about your relocation to the municipality.

Check your housing benefit

If you rent, you may be entitled to housing allowance. Whether you can receive housing benefit depends on several factors, including the monthly rent, your income and your living situation. You can easily calculate online whether and how much housing benefit you can receive.

If you already received housing benefit in your previous rental home, you must report your new situation to the tax authorities. It may be that you will accept more or less rent benefit in your new rented house. You can report your new situation online in "My allowances". Do this 2-3 days after you have reported your move to the municipality. Then your new address is known to the tax authorities.

Television, internet and telephone

Make your request well in advance if you want to watch TV directly in your new rental home. Think about where you will watch TV and where you will put the computer. In an empty house, it is easier to run cables if necessary. If you already have a subscription for this, you can usually take your belongings with you to your new address. Do you not yet have a subscription for TV, internet and calling? Then you can easily find one in our comparator:

Are you going to move to a rental house soon and do you have any questions? Or are you an expert by experience and do you have tips that are not yet included in this article? Feel free to drop a comment below this post. We would like to hear from you!