A new rule implemented by the municipality of Utrecht means anyone who wishes to rent out their property on Airbnb must apply for a permit that will cost 1.279 euros.
Anyone who owns property in Utrecht will now have to pay 1.279 euros for a permit if they wish to rent their home out to tourists or business people. With this permit, private landlords will be able to rent out their property for a maximum of 60 days per year.
Hostclub Utrecht stated that, while many house owners may be allowed to rent for 60 days, many do not. Therefore, the Hostclub argues that for those who don’t take full advantage of the 60-day limit, the profits of renting are limited if they are required to buy a permit at this price. They are therefore calling for the cost of the permit to be reduced.
Utrecht has over 2.100 active Airbnbs, which are visited by approximately 80.000 tourists every year. It is estimated that between 25 and 30 percent of overnight stays in Utrecht in 2018 took place in Airbnb accommodation.
The change comes after the State Council decided on January 29, 2020, that everyone required a permit to be able to rent out their property to holidaymakers. The Hague has since banned private holiday rental in the city.
Adjustments have also recently been made in Amsterdam. From July 1 onward, anyone in the city who wishes to rent out their property must acquire a 45-euro permit, or faces fines of up to 20.000 euros. Furthermore, an all-out ban was imposed in some areas of the city centre.
Rotterdam, however, is yet to implement any holiday rental restrictions. The municipality is instead waiting for a national law to be introduced, and in the meantime is only taking action against any rentals that cause trouble for the local area and residents.