Good Landlord Practices Act

The Good Landlord Act will take effect on July 1, 2023. This law is intended to prevent inappropriate behavior by landlords, such as charging excessive security deposits, imposing unfair service fees, discriminating against tenants, and making threats.

The Good Landlord Act sets out rules that landlords must follow. If landlords do not comply with these rules, the municipality may issue a warning or a fine. Tenants can also report any inappropriate behavior by landlords.

Who is this law intended for?

This law protects prospective tenants and tenants from unfair rental practices by:

  • private landlords
  • rental agencies (agencies that connect tenants with private landlords)
  • employers who provide housing for foreign workers

Reporting Center

Under this law, every municipality must have a reporting center. Tenants and people looking for housing can file a report there if a landlord fails to comply with the 7 rules of good tenancy. Reporting is free and can be done anonymously.

File a report under the Good Landlord Act

Tenants of a housing authority can file a complaint with the authority that rents out the property. The authority will handle the complaint itself. For our municipality, that is De Kernen.

The 7 Rules of Good Landlordship

  1. The landlord may not discriminate against the prospective tenant.
  2. The landlord must not threaten or intimidate the tenant.
  3. The landlord may require a security deposit of up to two months' base rent.
  4. The landlord must draw up a written lease agreement.
  5. The landlord must provide tenants with clear information about:
    1. the tenant's rights and obligations regarding the property (which are not included in the lease agreement)
    2. the amount of the security deposit and when tenants get it back when the lease ends
    3. contact information so the tenant can reach the landlord
    4. Information from the Hotline for Unfair Rental Practices
    5. service fees: landlords must provide a complete breakdown of the costs
  6. The landlord charges only the service fees specified in the Civil Code, Book 7, Articles 259 and 261 
  7. The rental agent may not charge the tenant any brokerage fees.

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