Groningen Housing Crisis Deepens as Landlords Favour Expats Over Local Renters
Short-stay contracts and rental discrimination reduce housing availability for Dutch home seekers
The housing crisis in Groningen is deepening as private landlords increasingly exploit short-stay contracts, reducing the number of available rental homes for local residents. The PVV in Groningen is raising concerns over this practice, arguing that landlords are using short-term contracts to bypass the Fixed Rental Contracts Act, which was introduced to provide more security for tenants.
Short-Stay Contracts Reduce Housing Availability
The PVV warns that many landlords now offer homes only to expats and international students, making it even harder for Dutch homeseekers to find affordable housing. By labelling properties as short-stay rentals, landlords can charge higher rents and avoid long-term tenant protections.
Party leader Kelly Blauw has called on the municipal board to investigate and intervene, stating:
"The misuse of short-stay contracts is unacceptable, especially in times of persistent housing shortages. It effectively removes homes from the market for regular home seekers."
Research by AD has revealed that some landlords are even refusing to rent to Dutch tenants, fearing they will stay too long, making it harder for landlords to regain control of their property. The PVV wants stricter enforcement against such discriminatory practices.
Expats Given Priority Over Dutch Tenants
This issue is not limited to Groningen. Across the Netherlands, the Fixed Rental Contracts Act—which was meant to increase housing security—is reportedly backfiring. Landlords are exploiting loopholes, favouring expats and short-term tenants, rather than providing stable housing for local renters.
Ombudsman Marianne van den Anker has warned that this growing divide could fuel social polarization, stating:
"If you have the fattest wallet, you will still get somewhere. We need to support each other out of a sense of solidarity."
VVD politician Ed Nijpels has also expressed concerns, calling the housing crisis the biggest political problem in the Netherlands, and admitting past government policies failed to address it.
Younger Generation Struggles with Housing
For young people in Groningen and beyond, finding affordable rental housing has become nearly impossible. A study by Rentbird revealed that 36% of young home seekers are considering emigrating due to the lack of housing, rising to 40% among those aged 25 to 35. If this trend continues, the Netherlands risks losing an entire generation of young professionals, which could have serious economic and social consequences.
In addition to rising rents, young tenants also face discrimination and fraudulent rental practices. According to the Rental Sentiment Monitor, 40% of renters have experienced discrimination based on income, age, or nationality, while 25% have dealt with rental scams, such as excessive fees or landlords refusing essential repairs.
With housing availability shrinking, the PVV in Groningen is urging local authorities to crack down on abusive short-stay contracts and discriminatory rental practices. The party has called for a full investigation and stronger enforcement measures to ensure fair access to housing for all residents.