This Protocol for the allocation of rental properties to prospective tenants is used in the context of the Good Landlordship Act and aims to make it clear to all parties involved how the allocation of a rental property is achieved. This Protocol is aimed at preventing (residential) discrimination.

Definitions

Rental agent | (An employee of) the rental agent who offers a home for rent on behalf of the client and is legally authorized to do so.

Client | The (legal) person or persons entitled to rent the home who has engaged the rental agent to mediate in the rental of a home in his/their interest.

Prospective tenant | A natural person/entity who shows interest in a rental property offered by the rental agent on behalf of the client.

Purpose of mediation | The client’s goal is to rent the rental property in question to the most suitable candidate tenant. This is a prospective tenant who is as likely as possible to correctly and timely fulfill all obligations arising from a rental agreement and within the most appropriate term. The distinction between prospective tenants is made by objective justification. Distinction between prospective tenants serves a legitimate purpose and the rental agent will act appropriately and proportionately.

Basic information to be obtained from the prospective tenant:

• Name (first and last name)
• Current address and place of residence
• Phone number
• E-mail address
• Copy of ID (BSN number and passport photo may be shielded)
• Family composition: living alone, living together, with or without children
• Amount of total monthly net income
• Income statement from the tax authorities
• Employment contract(s) and/or employer statement(s)
• Income proofs (salary specification and recent bank statements showing the net salary)
• Amount of current rent
• A landlord statement
• The information necessary to determine whether the prospective tenant(s) are eligible for a housing permit (if obtaining one is required in the municipality where the home is located).

No information is required about:

• Ethnic or cultural background
• Religious identity
• Political preference
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity and/or expression
• Physical or mental health

Criteria that are taken into account for allocation:

Reaction speed | As a basic principle, the first come, first serve rule applies. The initiative to respond to a offered property lies with the prospective tenants. In the case of numerous responses, it is possible that certain prospective tenants may not be invited for a viewing and may be rejected.

Source of income/type of employment contract | An indefinite employment contract with a well-established and reputable employer is preferred. This provides the client with the highest level of financial security. Temporary employment contracts, recent self-employment, and other sources of income such as alimony, an internship allowance, a guarantee by third parties, an inheritance, rental income, etc., can also lead to the allocation of a rental property, but this requires individual assessment. 

Level of income | After meeting any minimum income requirements, the highest (combined) income is preferred. This provides the client with the highest level of financial security in terms of fulfilling the financial obligations under the lease agreement.

Solid and verifiable positive rental history | A prospective tenant with a positive and verifiable landlord statement is preferred. Prospective tenants without a demonstrable rental history require individual assessment, as it may require additional information or investigation.

A positive screening of ID proof and solvency | A prospective tenant can only be allocated a property on the condition that their identity can be verified and their financial capacity is satisfactory. To assess this, the rental agent conducts a thorough screening. A part of this screening is a manual check on authenticity features of the ID, conducted by the rental agent. This check can, for example, be performed with the DutchID-App provided by the Dutch government. The outcome of this screening may result in rejection (even after an initial allocation).

Household composition | It is important that each property has a suitable household composition. This is to prevent nuisance and damage, as well as to avoid overcrowding. Therefore, the allocation will take into account the household composition per property. Depending on the type of property, certain compositions may be preferred. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Appropriateness in (the environment of) the offered property | In some cases, the location or specific characteristics of the rental property may make certain prospective tenants more suitable than others.

Selection by the client | For each property offered, the client ultimately makes the choice between the candidate tenants. The rental agent has no influence on the final choice.

Finally

The rental agent refrains from any form of (assistance in) discrimination regarding the allocation of rental properties to prospective tenants. The rental agent does not assume any responsibility or liability for the actions of their clients. Due to privacy regulations, the rental agent is not authorized to disclose basic information of prospective tenants to third parties.