Rent out your home in 8 steps

You have made up your mind, you are going to rent! Whether it’s for a definite period of time, such as a long world trip or work, or for an indefinite period of time, there are a lot of steps to take in order to be well prepared and confidently hand over the key to the new tenant. Curious about your options and the rental value of your property? Leave your details and we will contact you for an informal meeting.

To rent out a property, it is obviously important that you are the owner of the property or are authorized to rent out the property. If you have financing on the property, permission from the mortgage lender is usually also a requirement. In addition, municipalities often have rules for renting out your property; finally, owners’ associations sometimes set conditions for renting out your property. A comprehensive overview of opportunities, risks and misconceptions can be found here.

Unless your home is a Municipal or National Monument, you are required to have an energy label as soon as the property is advertised. Additionally, an energy label is an important factor in the point system for the housing valuation system. Want more information about the point system?

Is your home part of a (large) homeowners’ association (VVE)? Then there may be a mandatory user agreement that the new tenant must sign.

Determining the rental price depends on multiple factors. First, a points-based assessment via the housing valuation system must establish whether the property falls into the private rental sector. If this is the case, you are free to set a rent above the government-regulated threshold. However, the market will ultimately determine the price.

Key factors include location, size, features, and condition of the property. Additionally, the energy label and whether the property is rented furnished or semi-furnished play a role.

JLG Real Estate is happy to assist you in preparing a points-based assessment.

Once you have determined whether you will rent the property furnished or unfurnished, it will need to be prepared. Often some small jobs need to be done or some tidying up so that the property can be presented well. With a good presentation you will increase the interest in your property which often makes it rent faster and better. Floor plans, good photos and an attractive, informative description should be an optimal mix in the presentations.

Have all the preparations been made and the rent determined? Then you can advertise your property. Subsequently, depending on the interest, viewings will be organized and will take place. If one or more candidates want to rent the property, it is important that the candidates are screened. Can they afford the property? Do they have the right intentions? Do you want to rent your property to them? Renting out is never completely without risk. Careful selection and screening prevents as much as possible any problems with the tenant or abuse of the rented property. When these steps have been completed, the agreements will have to be put on paper.

A well-drafted rental agreement is essential for a smooth and hassle-free rental experience. It provides a clear foundation for both the landlord and the tenant, ensuring that all agreements are properly documented.

Besides specifying the rental price and lease term, the contract should clearly outline the rights and obligations of both parties. A well-structured rental agreement offers security and guidance for both the landlord and tenant. However, keep in mind that not everything can be freely negotiated—rental laws are extensive and often mandatory, meaning that in most cases, the law takes precedence over the contract.

If you are renting to an international expat, it is important to provide a translated version of the contract so that the tenant fully understands what they are signing.

Additionally, be aware that laws and regulations regarding rental agreements frequently change.

Before the tenant moves into the property, it is crucial to document its condition thoroughly. This can be done through a carefully prepared inspection report at the time of handover.

The inspection report should include:

A detailed description of the property’s condition at the start of the rental period.
Recorded meter readings for utilities.
Photographs as essential evidence to support the written descriptions.
Both the tenant and the landlord should be present during the inspection to ensure transparency. Once the inspection is complete, both parties sign the report, confirming their agreement on the documented condition of the property.