Groningen Introduces New Reporting Rule for Tourist Rentals
New rule aims to address housing shortages and improve oversight of short-term rentals.
Starting January 1, 2025, homeowners in Groningen who rent their properties to tourists must report all overnight stays through a national system. This new measure, approved by the municipal council, is part of an ongoing effort to address the city's housing challenges and regulate short-term tourist rentals.
Tackling Housing Challenges and Nuisance
Groningen faces rapid population growth and a tight housing market, making it increasingly difficult for residents to find homes. The municipality has identified a growing issue where homes, particularly in Groningen and Haren, are frequently rented to tourists for short periods or even year-round. This reduces housing availability for local residents and often causes disturbances in residential neighbourhoods.
"Houses are for living in, not for making a profit," explains Alderman Rik van Niejenhuis. "Our goal is to ensure housing is distributed fairly, so everyone has a place to call home."
How the Reporting Requirement Works
Under the new reporting system, landlords must log all tourist stays at touristrental.nl, detailing when and how many nights their property is rented. This complements the existing registration requirement, which mandates landlords to register their property and include the registration number in advertisements.
Since January 2023, landlords have been restricted to renting their homes for a maximum of 30 nights per year, a rule that applies to private holiday rentals but not to bed-and-breakfast establishments. The new reporting system provides additional insight into the frequency and duration of rentals, allowing for more effective enforcement of these regulations.
Ensuring Fair Housing
By introducing the reporting requirement, the municipality aims to gain better control over tourist rentals. This additional oversight is expected to limit misuse of residential properties, reduce nuisance in neighbourhoods, and ensure that housing is prioritized for residents rather than short-term profit.
Visit the municipality's website for more information and detailed rules about tourist rentals.