Allocation protocol for rental properties
This allocation protocol for rental properties is used within the framework of the Good Landlordship Act and aims to provide transparency for all parties involved as to how the allocation of a rental property is determined. This protocol is aimed at preventing discrimination.
Definitions:
Interhouse: (An employee of) Interhouse who offers a property for rent on behalf of the client and is legally authorized to do so.
Client: The person or entity entitled to let the property, who has tasked Interhouse to act on their behalf in the rental process.
Prospective tenant: An individual/entity who expresses interest in a rental property offered by Interhouse on behalf of the client.
Purpose of mediation:
The client aims to let the respective rental property to the most suitable prospective tenant. This refers to a prospective tenant who is deemed as likely as possible to fulfil all obligations arising from a tenancy agreement correctly and timely. The differentiation between prospective tenants is based on objective justification. The differentiation between prospective tenants must serve a legitimate purpose, and Interhouse will act appropriately and accordingly in this regard.
Obtainable basic information from the prospective tenant:
• Name (first and last name)
• Current address and place of residence
• Phone number
• E-mail address
• Copy of ID document (Social Security number and the passport photo may be obscured)
• Household composition: alone, together, with or without children
• Total monthly net income
• Income declaration from the tax authority
• Employment contract(s) and/or employer statement(s)
• Proof of income (pay slip and recent bank statements reflecting net income)
• Amount of current rent
• A landlord statement
• The information necessary to determine whether the prospective tenant(s) qualify for a housing permit (if obtaining one is required in the municipality where the property is located).
No information is asked regarding:
• Ethnic or cultural background
• Religious identity
• Political preference
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity and/or expression
• Physical or mental health
Criteria considered in the allocation process:
1. Response time
As a basic principle, “first come, first serve” applies. The initiative to respond to an offered property lies with the prospective tenants. In case of numerous responses, it is possible that certain prospective tenants may not be invited for a viewing and may be rejected.
2. 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.
3. Income level
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.
4. Solid and verifiably 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.
5. A positive screening of ID document 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, Interhouse conducts a thorough screening. A part of this screening is a manual check on authenticity features of the ID, conducted by Interhouse. 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).
6. 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 for each property. Depending on the type of property, a certain household composition may be preferred. This is assessed individually for each case.
7. Suitability for (the area 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.
8. Allocation by the client
For each offered property, the client ultimately makes the decision between the prospective tenants. Interhouse has no influence on the final selection.
Finally:
Interhouse refrains from any form of (assistance in) discrimination regarding the allocation of rental properties to prospective tenants. Interhouse does not assume any responsibility or liability for the actions of their clients. Due to privacy regulations, Interhouse is not authorized to disclose basic information of prospective tenants to third parties.