What rights do I have as a subtenant?
What would you like help with?
Is the main tenancy ending or have you received a letter from the owner? Have it determined promptly whether you rent self-contained or non-self-contained accommodation and which time limit applies.
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Your protection depends greatly on what you rent. Subletting a self-contained dwelling may have different consequences than subletting a room.
General information about Dutch law · Review date not recorded · How we work
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Self-contained accommodation
A dwelling with its own entrance, kitchen and toilet may qualify as self-contained accommodation. When the main tenancy ends, the subtenant may, subject to conditions, continue the tenancy vis-à-vis the owner, but the owner may request termination within six months.
Subletting a room
For a room, protection against the owner is more limited. If the main tenant's contract ends, the room subtenant will often have to leave. However, there may be a claim against the main tenant.
Prove your agreements
Keep the written sublease agreement, payment records, registration, photographs and messages. Since 1 July 2023, important rental agreements must be recorded in writing.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
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Item 1 / 6 · Where do you stand with this item?
Self-contained dwelling or room
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 6 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
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Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Self-contained dwelling or room
- Sublease agreement
- Permission for or prohibition on subletting
- Proof of payment
- End of the main tenancy and date of receipt of notice
- Possible housing permit
Frequently asked questions
Do I have rights without the owner's permission?
In the case of subletting a self-contained dwelling, protection may exist even without permission. The owner may nevertheless ask the court to terminate the tenancy.
Can I recover damages from the main tenant?
This may sometimes be possible if the main tenant breached agreements or if you unexpectedly have to leave because of prohibited subletting.