Studying in the Netherlands is exciting!

Whether you’re an international student moving to the Netherlands or already live here and are looking for a place to move into while studying. Student life in the Netherlands is thrilling – new friends, new cities and a new chapter of your life. But let’s be honest….. rent can take a big bite out of your monthly budget and this hits a student especially hard.

Vector illustration in flat style. Isolated on blue background. business and finance banking. https://www.istockphoto.com/nl/illustraties/money-house-hand

That is where rent allowance (huurtoeslag) comes in. If you’re a student renting in the Netherlands, this government support could help cover part of your rent and in 2026, some positive changes are coming that make it even more student-friendly.

So we have written a guide for you to help you understand what rent allowance (huurtoeslag) is and the changes that have been made for 2026.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

What Is Rent Allowance (Huurtoeslag) in the Netherlands?
Rent Allowance Changes in 2026
Do I qualify for rent allowance and how much can I get?
How can I apply for rent allowance in 2026?
Tips for Students Applying for Rent Allowance
Helpful Links for Rent Allowance in the Netherlands
Final Thoughts: Rent Allowance and Student Life in 2026

What Is Rent Allowance (Huurtoeslag) in the Netherlands?

Rent allowance in the Netherlands (huurtoeslag) is a monthly financial support payment from the Dutch government. It is meant to help people with lower incomes including students.

The allowance is managed by the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst) and paid directly into your bank account. Depending on your rent, income, housing situation, and if you meet the housing criteria, such as having your own kitchen, front door, and toilet, this rent allowance (huurtoeslag) can lower your monthly living costs a lot.

For students struggling with rising rent prices, rent allowance (huurtoeslag) can make studying and living in the Netherlands much more doable.

Rent Allowance Changes in 2026: What Students Need to Know

The Dutch government plans to refine the rent allowance in 2026, with the goal to make it align with today’s housing market. These updates are expected to benefit students in particular, so if you weren’t eligible before, or decided not to apply because your rent was “too high,” it’s definitely worth checking the changes for 2026.

Let’s break down the main changes:

1. Income and Savings Limits Have Been Updated

In 2026, the maximum income and savings limits for rent allowance will increase slightly. This means:

More students can now qualify
Some people who were just above the limit in previous years could become eligible in 2026
Rent allowance is still income-based, but these adjustments give renters a bit more breathing room which is especially helpful if you work part-time alongside your studies.

2. Higher Rent Limits (And More Flexibility)

One of the biggest improvements in 2026 is how rent limits are handled.

What’s new?

There is no longer a strict “cut-off” that automatically disqualifies you if your rent is too high.

Instead, rent allowance is calculated based on a maximum rent amount

For 2026:

The maximum rent used to calculate allowance is €932.93

For young people under 21, the maximum is €498.20

If your rent is lower than these amounts, the allowance is calculated using your actual rent. If your rent is higher, the calculation is rounded to the maximum amount, meaning you can still receive rent allowance.

This makes rent allowance more realistic in today’s housing market.

You can calculate the rent allowance you are able to receive using a calculator provided by the Dienst Toeslagen, Ministerie van Financien website.

3. Important Age Rule Changes (Very Relevant for Students)

The age rules around rent allowance are changing and this actually benefits many students.

Before 2026 young people up to 23 had a lower rent limit. This made it difficult to qualify, especially for studios.

From 2026 onwards we will see the following changes:

The “young tenant” category applies only up to 21 years old
The lower rent limit for this group increases to €498.20
Students aged 21 and 22 will now fall under the higher rent calculation.

This means students aged 21 and 22 can be able to receive more rent allowance earlier, instead of being restricted by the lower youth limit (ages under 21).

The age of the oldest person in the household is what counts. For example, if a 20-year-old lives with a 25-year-old, the higher rent limit applies.

4. Good News for Students Renting Studios

These changes are a big win for students, especially international students. From 2026, young tenants can receive rent allowance for independent studios, as long as:

The studio is independent (own kitchen, bathroom, and front door)
The rent falls within the applicable limits

Previously, many students under 23 were excluded from rent allowance simply because they lived in a studio. From 2026 onwards, this will become much more accessible.

If you’re renting a small studio, it’s definitely worth checking your eligibility in 2026.

5. Service Costs Will No Longer Be Included

Another change in 2026 is how rent is calculated.

From 2026, service costs (heating, water, electricity for halls/elevators) will no longer count toward rent allowance, so only the basic rent will be used in the calculation

If you already receive rent allowance and previously included service costs, the Belastingdienst will automatically adjust your allowance. You’ll receive an updated calculation for 2026 towards the end of the year, showing how this affects your payments.

Read more about the new government regulations.

Do I qualify for rent allowance and how much can I get?

In order to receive rent allowance (huurtoeslag) as a student in the Netherlands, there are several conditions you must meet:

You must be over the age of 18.
You should be registered at your address (BRP) and already have a BSN number (a citizen service number).
You must have a valid Dutch bank account
Your income, savings, and rent must stay within the required limits.
Your Housing Must Qualify (Your own front door, your own kitchen, your own bathroom or toilet).

Shared student rooms do not qualify, which is why choosing the right housing type is so important.

Check to see if your housing type qualifies for rent benefits.

The amount of rent allowance that you are able to receive in 2026 depends on multiple factors such as:

Your age
Your monthly rent
The size of your house
Your income and savings

To help you can also calculate how much rent allowance you are able to receive using this Trial calculation of allowances provided on the Belastingdienst website.

How can I apply for rent allowance in 2026?

To receive rent allowance you apply online via the Belastingdienst website through Mijn Toeslagen portal.

Gather all of your information (bank details, rent contract, income details and personal details)
Go to the Belastingdienst website and press “Log in to My Benefits” and login using your DigiD on the Mijn Toeslagen.
Select “Huurtoeslag” (Rent Allowance) and click “Aanvragen” (Apply)
Complete the form by entering your rental and income details
Submit your application

Tips for Students Applying for Rent Allowance

Here are some useful tips to help students successfully apply for rent allowance in the Netherlands:✔ Apply early

✔ Apply as Soon as You Move In – The sooner you apply, the sooner you receive support.

✔ Update Your Income Changes – Always update changes to your income or rent to avoid paying money back later.

✔ Keep All Documents – Save your rental contract, payslips, and confirmation emails (just in case you need them later).

Helpful Links for Rent Allowance in the Netherlands:

For official and up-to-date information we have listed a few helpful links that you can look into:

Final Thoughts: Rent Allowance and Student Life in 2026

Because of the rent allowance changes coming in 2026 more students in the Netherlands will be able to receive financial support for housing. Understanding how rent allowance works can make student life far more affordable and less stressful.

And when you’re ready to find your next student home, RentSwap is here to help.

We can help you find your new verified housing making it easier to secure accommodation that meets official requirements.

When you move out, you can also help the next tenant take over your contract and earn €200.

RentSwap. Making student housing swaps easy.