Housing allowance

Housing or rent allowance is a contribution towards housing costs. This is granted and paid by the Dutch tax authorities. Whether your housing accommodation and you qualify for housing benefit, depends on the kind of accommodation and your personal situation.

You can find more information on housing allowance on the website of the tax authorities.

The allowance application is ruled by yourself with the tax authorities. Therefore, De Key does not deduct the allowance amount from your monthly rent.

​"Rekenhuur"

The authorities calculate the amount of allowance based on the so called 'rekenhuur'.

The ‘rekenhuur’ contains the following:

1. The basic rent (or net rent);
2. Electrical costs common areas (max €12,-);
3. Cleaning costs common areas (max €12,-);
4. Caretakers costs (max €12,-).

Applying for housing allowance

You can apply at the Dutch Tax Authorities (called "Belastingdienst"). Please visit the first link below.

Find your rekenhuur components

Once your tenancy agreement has started you can create an account on our website https://lievendekey.nl/ and find the breakdown of your rent. Add up the 4 rent components as stated above to calculate your ‘rekenhuur’. Bear in mind that elements 2, 3 and 4 have a maximum of € 12,00 per element.

Be aware that certain conditions may apply, such as:
- Duration of stay: you can only apply for housing allowance when you have a contract for longer than 9 months.
- Age: 18+, in some cases 23+
- Financial situation: Tax Authorities will require info about your income etc.
- Rent: please see the info about the rent components
- Room type: only certain room types are eligible.