Housing Mediation License

A housing mediation license (woningbemiddelingsvergunning) is a municipal permit required for professionally mediating in the rental of residential property. If you operate as a rental agent, letting agency, or housing broker connecting tenants with landlords, you may need this license depending on your municipality.

The license is based on municipal ordinances and aims to protect tenants from exploitative practices such as illegal mediation fees. The municipality assesses whether you meet requirements related to professional conduct, transparent fee structures, and fair dealing. Under Dutch law, a rental agent working for the landlord may not charge fees to the tenant. Municipalities with high housing pressure, such as Amsterdam and Groningen, actively enforce these licensing requirements.