What you need to know before you subrent your room, how to do it legally, and how RentSwap helps make the process safe and simple.

Subrenting, also known as subletting, is one of the most common ways students in the Netherlands manage temporary moves. Whether you are going on exchange, doing an internship in another city, traveling for a few months, or simply relocating temporarily, subrenting allows you to keep your current contract while letting someone else stay in your room.

But many students do not realise that subrenting comes with rules. If you subrent without following the proper steps, you could risk losing your deposit, upsetting your landlord, or even violating your rental contract. The good news is that subrenting can be completely safe, legal, and stress free when done correctly.

This guide explains everything you need to know before you subrent your student room in the Netherlands.

1. What Subrenting Is and When It Is Allowed

Subrenting means you, the main tenant, allow someone else to temporarily live in their room while their name stays on the rental contract. They remain legally responsible for:

• Paying the rent

• Any damages

• The behaviour of the subtenant

• Following landlord rules

  
  

Subrenting is allowed when:

• Your landlord gives written permission

• Your rental contract allows temporary stays

• Registration rules for your gemeente are followed

  
  

Subrenting is not allowed when:

• Your contract explicitly forbids it

• You do it secretly without informing your landlord

• You charge more rent than you pay unless your landlord approves

  
  

The first step is always the same: inform your landlord about your plans. Most landlords are open to subrenting as long as everything is documented clearly.

2. Can the New Tenant Register at the Address

Registration (inschrijving) is one of the biggest concerns for students. Whether the subtenant can register depends on three things:

• The landlord’s approval

• The municipality’s capacity rules

• The type of contract you have

  
  

Here are the three common scenarios if you are subrenting your room.

a. The new tenant registers at the address

This is the ideal situation. It is allowed when:

• The landlord agrees

• The municipality accepts an additional registration

This gives the subtenant full access to Dutch services like a BSN, insurance, and work contracts.

b. You stay registered, and the subtenant does not

This is common when a student temporarily leaves but wants to keep their address. The landlord must be aware of this arrangement.

However, the subtenant might face challenges with:

• Bank accounts

• Jobs

• Insurance

• Official document

This arrangement must be communicated openly.

c. You deregister so the subtenant can register

If you are gone for a longer period, you may choose to deregister. In this case, the subtenant can temporarily register in your place. This will not affect your BSN. But deregistering may affect your residential status (especially for non-EU citizens). 

3. If You Are Leaving the Netherlands for a Few Months: Use a Postal Address

Most students do not know this option exists, but it can make subrenting much easier.

If you will be outside the Netherlands temporarily, you can stay registered using a postal address. This allows you to:

• Keep health insurance and banking valid

• Avoid administrative issues when you return

• Let the new subtenant register at your actual room address

• Subrent legally with landlord permission

  
  

How a postal address works:

1. You inform the municipality (Gemeente) that you are living abroad temporarily.

2. You ask to stay registered using a postal address in the Netherlands.

3. Your mail goes to this address, but you remain officially “in the country.”

4. The incoming subtenant can then register at your room.

This is a useful option for students going on exchange, internships abroad, or long travel periods. Each municipality has slightly different rules, so it is important to check with your local Gemeente.

4. What Your Subrent Contract Should Include

A clear subrent agreement protects both you and the subtenant. Make sure your contract includes:

a. Personal details – Names, addresses, and contact information.

b. Exact dates – Start and end dates of the subrent period.

c. Rent amount – You cannot charge more rent than you pay unless the landlord approves.

d. Deposit – State the deposit amount, return conditions, and responsibilities for damages.

e. Inventory list – Document furniture, appliances, and the room’s condition. Take photos!

f. House rules – Include expectations about cleaning, noise, guests, and shared spaces.

g. Landlord approval – Attach a written confirmation to avoid misunderstandings later.

A well-written contract prevents nearly all common subrent problems. RentSwap helps you handle all the details! 

5. Your Responsibilities as the Main Tenant

Even while someone else is living in your room, you remain responsible for:

• Paying rent to the landlord

• Damages caused during the subrent period

• Any disruption caused by the subtenant

• Returning the room in good condition after the subrent ends

  
  

You remain the point of contact with the landlord for any issues during the lease period.  This is why choosing a reliable subtenant is crucial. RentSwap helps you choose a reliable subtenant! 

6. Common Mistakes Students Make When Subrenting

These are the issues that cause the most stress:

• Not getting landlord approval in writing

• Forgetting to tell roommates

• Leaving personal items in the room

• Not explaining practical things like trash schedules or bike parking

• Not clarifying registration rules

• Failing to photograph the room before the subtenant arrives

  
  

7. How RentSwap Makes Subrenting Safer and Easier

RentSwap makes subrenting more reliable through:

a. Verified tenants – You avoid random or unreliable people from Facebook groups.

b. Clear contracts – RentSwap ensures that all important details are included.

c. Landlord-friendly structure – Since listings are verified, landlords are more willing to give permission.

d. Guidance – RentSwap helps you understand registration rules, contract details, and communication steps.

e. Reduced risk – You avoid scams, unclear agreements, and deposit disputes.

For students moving temporarily or relocating to another city, RentSwap offers a safer and more transparent alternative to traditional housing groups.

8. Final Tips for Students Who Want to Subrent

Subrenting can be a great solution if you need flexibility. As long as you:

• Get landlord approval

• Use a clear written contract

• Handle registration correctly

• Take photos of the room

• Communicate openly with your subtenant

  
  

You can subrent safely and return to your room without problems.

With verified profiles and clear agreements, RentSwap helps students subrent confidently and move between cities or semesters without stress.