KNM Housing Guide: Social Rent, Utilities, and Repairs

Housing is one of the most practical topics in the KNM exam. Questions typically present real-life situations about renting, paying utilities, or handling repairs. Knowing the difference between social and private rental, and understanding your rights as a tenant, is essential.

Social Rent (Sociale Huurwoning)

A sociale huurwoning is a rental home with a monthly rent below the government-set maximum, which was approximately 880 euros per month in 2025. These homes are managed by woningcorporaties (housing corporations) such as Ymere, Vestia, or Woonstad Rotterdam. To qualify for a social rental, your annual income must be below a certain threshold set by the government.

In large cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, the waiting lists (wachtlijsten) for social housing can be extremely long — often 7 to 15 years. You typically register with a regional housing platform (such as WoningNet) and build waiting time. When a property becomes available, the person with the longest registration time who meets the criteria gets priority.

Rent Allowance (Huurtoeslag)

If you rent a social housing property and have a low income, you may qualify for huurtoeslag (rent allowance) from the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority). This is a monthly subsidy that helps cover part of your rent. You apply through the Belastingdienst/Toeslagen website or via the MijnToeslagen portal using your DigiD. To be eligible, your rent must be below the social rent limit and your income must be below the qualifying threshold.

Private Rental (Vrije Sector)

Homes rented above the social rent limit fall into the vrije sector (private sector). These are often more expensive, with no government cap on rent increases. You are generally not eligible for huurtoeslag in the private sector. Private rentals are found through real estate agents (makelaars), websites like Funda or Pararius, or directly from landlords.

Your Rental Contract (Huurcontract)

Always read your huurcontract carefully before signing. It specifies the monthly rent (kale huur), any servicekosten (service costs for shared facilities, cleaning, or furniture), the deposit (borgsom, usually one or two months’ rent), and the notice period. Servicekosten are separate from the base rent and can cover items like communal lighting, elevator maintenance, or garden upkeep.

Utilities and Repairs

Gas, water, and electricity costs are usually not included in the rent. You arrange your own energy contract with a provider such as Vattenfall, Eneco, or Essent, and you pay for water through your regional water company. If something in your home breaks — a leaking pipe, a broken boiler, or a problem with the structure — you report it to the woningcorporatie (for social housing) or your landlord (for private rental). Small maintenance tasks like replacing light bulbs or fixing a dripping faucet are typically the tenant’s responsibility.

Disputes: The Huurcommissie

If you disagree with your landlord about the rent amount, service costs, or maintenance, you can contact the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal). This is an independent organization that mediates between tenants and landlords. They can rule on whether your rent is fair and whether required repairs have been neglected.

Related Guides

• KNM Topic Checklist
• How to Pass KNM First Try