What if your landlord refuses to let you register? 5 practical solutions in 2026

One of the most common situations newcomers face in the Netherlands is paying rent on time while the landlord refuses address registration. Without BRP (Basisregistratie Personen), you may have difficulty obtaining a BSN, opening a bank account, applying for a residence permit, getting health insurance or receiving benefits. Here are five ways to resolve this problem in 2026.

Why do landlords refuse registration?

Most refusals stem from myths and fears:

• “If I register someone, I cannot evict them” — a myth. Eviction through the courts can still be possible.
• “My taxes will increase” — no, the BRP does not affect property tax (OZB).
• “There will be problems with utilities” — charges can be passed on to tenants under the agreement.
• “The registered tenant can claim ownership of the apartment” — not true. Registration does not confer ownership rights.

But some concerns are real: the landlord may worry that a tenant will register a business or claim benefits at their address.

5 ways to register without your landlord's consent

Option 1: Negotiate with your landlord (the cheapest)

Offer compensation. Typical payments for consent are said to range from €200–500 once or €50–100 per month on top of rent. Show an agreement describing how you will handle risks and mail forwarding.

Case example: a man from Kyiv in Rotterdam paid his landlord €300 plus €50 per month, after which registration was approved within five days.

Option 2: Use a friend or relative's address (free but risky)

If you know someone who has a registered address, you could ask to be registered as another occupant. In the Netherlands this is allowed if the home has sufficient space (a rule of 10–12 m² per person is mentioned).

Disadvantages: your friend may be responsible for letters, taxes and possible neighbour complaints.

Option 3: Register through an intermediary (the most popular)

Companies like ours provide an address for a fee. Prices in 2026 are €750 for 3 months, €1,200 for 6 months and €2,000 for 12 months. You receive official registration without involving your landlord.

Advantages: speed, legality, letter forwarding and 24/7 support. Disadvantage: the price is higher than negotiating directly.

Option 4: Register using a postadres (postal address)

Some municipalities allow registration with a postal address when the residence address is concealed. This can apply when renting a room or living on a campsite.

However, this may not suffice for BSN or bank accounts: banks often require a woonadres (residential address).

Option 5: Go to court (the longest and most expensive)

If the landlord is contractually required to allow registration, you can apply to a kantonrechter. Costs may be €500–1,500 plus a lawyer, with an estimated 60–70% chance of success and a 3–8 month process.

What should you do if you have already been refused?

1. Ask for a written refusal (it may help in court or with another landlord)
2. Find a new address through an intermediary (the fastest method)
3. At the same time, look for a landlord who allows registration
4. Do not pay rent if registration was a condition of the rental agreement

Cases from 2025–2026

Case 1.A woman from Lviv rented a room in Amsterdam. The landlord refused registration. She found us and registered for €750, obtaining BRP confirmation and opening an ING account after six days.

Case 2.A family from Donetsk lived in The Hague. The landlord was concerned about taxes. They paid €400 extra rent, and the entire family, including a child, was registered free of charge.

FAQ — most common questions