A landlord’s statement Netherlands, or verhuurdersverklaring, is often the make-or-break document in rental applications. It confirms that you’ve been a reliable tenant, rent paid on time, no trouble, no damage and many landlords won’t move forward without it. Yet what sounds like a simple formality can turn into a chase, especially when your former landlord is slow to respond or hard to find.
Picture this everyday Dutch rental scenario: Sarah, a marketing professional in Rotterdam, eyes a spacious family home in Utrecht to accommodate her growing kids.
Excitement peaks with the viewing, but the landlord drops the bomb: “We need a landlord’s statement Netherlands.” What seems like a minor request can spiral into weeks of frustration, chasing former landlords who may be unresponsive or hard to reach. This document affects renters nationwide, professionals, students, families, young and seasoned alike. But fear not; this guide breaks it down fully, from basics to smart shortcuts, so you can secure your next home without the drama.
What Is a Landlord’s Statement in the Netherlands?
At its core, a landlord’s statement Netherlands renters must provide is called a verhuurdersverklaring. It’s essentially a reference letter from your previous landlord, confirming you were a model tenant. No matter if you’re moving within the same city or across provinces, this paper trail reassures new landlords of your reliability.
Legally, while not mandated by the Dutch Civil Code for all rentals, it’s a standard practice in the private sector to verify tenancy history. The Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal) recognizes it as helpful evidence in disputes, but it’s the market’s competitive nature that makes it near-essential.
Official Definition and Legal Basis
The verhuurdersverklaring isn’t a fancy form; it’s a simple signed statement. It stems from good faith in tenancy agreements under Book 7 of the Burgerlijk Wetboek. Landlords use it to check for red flags like late payments or damages, aligning with GDPR for data sharing.
Sample Template Breakdown
Here’s a basic structure you can adapt:
Verhuurdersverklaring Template Example:
[Landlord’s Name and Address] [Date]
To whom it may concern,
I confirm that [Tenant’s Full Name] rented the property at [Property Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
- Rent was [amount] per month, always paid on time.
- No complaints or damages noted; property returned in good condition.
- No outstanding issues.
Sincerely, [Landlord’s Signature, Phone, Email]
This keeps it concise yet comprehensive. For tenant screening Netherlands, it’s gold.
Why Landlords Demand a Landlord’s Statement
In a country with over 3 million private rentals (CBS Statistics), the landlord’s statement Netherlands is a landlord’s best friend for peace of mind. It goes beyond income checks, revealing behavioral patterns.
Risk Management Statistics
Evictions rose 15% in 2024 per Judiciary reports, often due to non-payment. A clean verhuurdersverklaring cuts this risk; Woonbond surveys show 75% of landlords in urban areas like Randstad require it to avoid €4,000-€7,000 in average eviction costs .
Real Tenant Stories from Across NL
Sarah’s story: Her old landlord in a small town delayed for vacation, costing her the Utrecht home. Tim, the student, had a sublet landlord who refused due to privacy fears. The Bakkers faced a corporate landlord bureaucracy. These aren’t rare – forums like Huurders.nl brim with similar tales.
Landlord Perspectives
From the owner’s side, it’s due diligence. “One bad tenant can mean months of lost rent,” says a Amsterdam verhuurder on Pararius. It levels the playing field in a tenant-favored market.
How to Obtain a Verhuurdersverklaring Easily
Don’t let the landlord’s statement Netherlands slow your move. With preparation, it’s obtainable in days.
Step-by-Step Request Process
- Prepare Your Ask: Email or call with context: “I’m applying for a new rental and need a quick reference.”
- Provide a Template: Attach the sample above to make it easy.
- Set a Deadline: Politely note your application timeline.
- Follow Up: Phone after 3-5 days; use WhatsApp for casual landlords.
- Get It Signed: Digital signatures via DocuSign work if physical isn’t possible.
Handling Common Obstacles
Unresponsive? Offer to draft and send for approval. Landlord sold the property? Contact the management company. First-time renter? Skip to alternatives.
Regional Tips
In high-demand Amsterdam or Rotterdam, landlords scrutinize more – have it ready early. In rural Gelderland, personal calls suffice. Always comply with privacy laws. For seamless sharing, see secure document sharing for rentals.
How TenePass Simplifies Landlord’s Statements
Imagine Sarah, back in Rotterdam, dreading another landlord chase. Enter TenePass: a game-changer that turns verhuurdersverklaring headaches into seamless steps. It streamlines the process for renters and landlords alike, saving time while keeping things secure.
Built-In Templates for Quick Starts
TenePass offers ready-made verhuurdersverklaring templates. No more blank-page stress. Just download, customize minimally, and get it signed. This cuts drafting time by hours, fitting perfectly into busy moves.
Scoring the Statement for Faster Reviews
TenePass is an all-in-one certificate that gives you a verified rental score you can use for every application without resending private documents or uploading files repeatedly.
Add your landlord’s statement to TenePass to strengthen your score. Your payment history and property care will be factored in, showing your reliability as a tenant. Landlords get a clear, quantified review in minutes, not days. This boosts approvals without endless back-and-forth, aligning with broader documents needed for renting in Netherlands.
Protecting Privacy Every Step
A landlord’s statement can strengthen your application, but sharing it with strangers often raises privacy concerns. TenePass solves this with GDPR-compliant sharing. Instead of sending raw PDFs, you create a verified rental certificate that shows only what matters while keeping your files private. No more scattered data, everything stays encrypted and under your control.
With TenePass, your statement becomes an advantage, not a risk. Renters apply confidently, and landlords make faster decisions.
Alternatives to Traditional Landlord’s Statements
When a previous landlord statement isn’t feasible, the landlord’s statement Netherlands isn’t the end-all. Evolve with modern options.
Document-Based Substitutes
- Last 6-12 months bank statements showing rent transfers.
- Credit reports from BKR (Bureau Krediet Registratie).
- References from employers or neighbors.
Digital and Innovative Solutions
Platforms verify data instantly. TenePass processes 13,000+ documents yearly, offering 90% faster checks without manual chases. 90% faster rental applications change the game.
When to Use a Guarantor
For students or low-history renters, a parent or family member can co-sign, bypassing the statement.
Boost approval with Dynamic Rental Score.
Landlord’s Statement vs. Other Rental Documents
See how the landlord’s statement Netherlands stacks up in the full kit from documents needed for renting in Netherlands:
Full Comparison Table
| Document | Purpose | Time to Obtain | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID/Passport | Identity verification | Instant | None |
| Payslips (3 months) | Income proof (3x rent) | 1-2 weeks | Freelancers |
| Employment Contract | Job stability | With job | Temporary |
| Landlord’s Statement | Past behavior | 1-4 weeks | Unresponsive |
| Bank Statements | Payment history | Instant | Privacy |
Priority in Screening Process
Income first, then history via statement. In social housing (woningcorporaties), it’s less critical than private.
Frequently Asked Questions About Landlord’s Statements
Is a landlord's statement mandatory?
Not always, but most private landlords still expect it. Around 70% of listings in the Netherlands request one as part of the screening process. It helps them confirm you paid rent on time and treated your previous home well. Even if not required, having one ready can make your application stand out.
What if I’ve never rented before?
If you are new to renting, you can use other forms of proof, such as a guarantor letter, employment reference, or proof of steady income. These alternatives show responsibility and can often replace a landlord’s statement for first-time renters.
Can it be in English?
Yes, especially for international landlords or agencies working with expats. However, Dutch is still preferred since many local agencies keep records in Dutch. A bilingual version is ideal if you plan to apply across different cities or listings.
How long is it valid?
A landlord’s statement is typically valid for three to six months. Some agencies accept older ones if your housing situation hasn’t changed, but a recent statement always looks stronger.
How does TenePass help with landlord’s statements?
With TenePass, you can upload your landlord’s statement once, securely. The platform verifies and integrates it into your rental score, reflecting payment reliability and property care. Instead of emailing files to every landlord, you share a single GDPR-safe rental certificate. It protects your privacy while proving your trustworthiness in every application.
With TenePass, you’ll be guided step by step on how to request your landlord’s statement and use it effectively, all while keeping your privacy and personal data protected. Get your verified rental certificate today and turn your documents into real rental confidence.
