The law is a basic national standard for good landlordism in the form of general rules. This standard oversees the conduct that can be expected of good landlords and rental intermediaries in relation to house seekers and tenants. The general rules apply to the entire rental process and to both the regular rental of housing and the rental of accommodation to labor migrants.

Discrimination

Discrimination is not allowed. No distinction may be made on the basis of race, religion, political opinion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or chronic illness.

Harassment

Harassment (a person forced by physical or psychological force, threat of force, or a matter of fact to do or not do something) of housing seekers and tenants comes in many forms and is not permitted.

Writing requirement

A landlord or the rental agent is required to put the rental agreement in writing. Even if the rental agreement is oral. In the case of migrant workers, the employment contract and rental agreement must be agreed upon separately.

Information obligation

The tenant must be aware of his or her rights and obligations. The landlord or rental agent has a duty to provide information to the tenant in writing and in a clear and understandable manner. This includes the tenant's legal rights and obligations regarding the property, to the extent that these rights and obligations are not included in the lease.

Prohibition on charging double mediation fees. Specifically for rental intermediaries, this bill includes a prohibition on charging double mediation fees. In practice, mediation fees are sometimes also called contract or administration fees, in which case this is also not allowed.

Deposit

The deposit the tenant must pay may not be more than twice the basic rent. This is the rent without service charges, costs for utilities, furniture and other amenities. In addition, the security deposit must be repaid to the tenant no later than 14 days after termination of the lease, unless there is damage.

Service Charges

The landlord must provide an annual written breakdown of the service costs incurred and share it with the tenant. Also, when calculating, justifying and increasing the advance payment amount, the legal rules must be complied with, as stated in art. 7:259 and 7:261 BW.