Renting Out Your Home Without an Agent — The Complete 2026 Guide

How much do you save without an agent?

Traditional letting agents typically charge a commission of 8–12% of the annual rent (excluding VAT) to find a tenant. On a home renting at €1,500/mo that''s €1,440–€2,160 each time. Through HuurwoningHub you pay €0 in commission.

Step by step: renting out your home without an agent

This plan guides you from the decision to handing over the keys.

1. 1 Check whether letting is permitted: review your mortgage deed and, if needed, obtain a rental permit from the municipality
2. 2 Set the rent: use the HuurwoningHub rent calculator for an up-to-date market valuation
3. 3 Take professional photos: aim for daylight, tidy rooms and a logical order (living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor space)
4. 4 Write an appealing description: use the AI generator on HuurwoningHub for professional copy in 10 seconds
5. 5 List your home for free on HuurwoningHub and receive applications
6. 6 Screen candidates: ask for proof of income, an employer''s statement and a cover letter
7. 7 Schedule viewings and make your choice
8. 8 Draw up a tenancy agreement (use a standard ROZ model) and register it where required
9. 9 Make a condition report when you hand over the keys

Legal obligations for landlords

As a landlord, you are legally required to arrange a number of things.

• Energy label: mandatory when letting. Request one via RVO.nl if you don''t have it.
• Tenancy agreement: use a recognised model (ROZ, the Legal Counter). Record at minimum: rent, service charges, start date and notice period.
• Deposit: a maximum of two months'' basic rent. Must be returned after the tenant leaves (minus any damage).
• Rental permit: mandatory in Amsterdam, The Hague and a growing number of municipalities.
• Tax: rental income is taxable under Box 3 of income tax. Consult a tax adviser.
• Smoke alarms: mandatory on every floor and in the bedrooms.

How do you select a reliable tenant?

Choosing the right tenant is the most important decision in the letting process.

1. 1 Ask for payslips from the past 3 months
2. 2 Verify income: the standard is a net income of three times the monthly rent
3. 3 Ask for an employer''s statement or proof of self-employed income
4. 4 Ask for references from previous landlords
5. 5 Carry out an identity check (copy of passport/ID)
6. 6 Use the candidate profile on HuurwoningHub for a structured overview

Expert advice on private letting

"The biggest mistake private landlords make is paying too little attention to tenant screening. A good tenant is your greatest asset — a bad tenant can cost you months and thousands of euros. Always invest in a thorough check." — Annelies van den Berg, tenancy lawyer and author of ''Slim Verhuren'' (Amsterdam, 2025)

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