How much can an employment agency deduct from Your pay for housing in the Netherlands?

On 10 September 2026, the Dutch government announced plans to abolish the practice of deducting accommodation costs from the statutory minimum wage. Hans Vijlbrief, Minister for Social Affairs and Employment, specified the date of 1 July 2028. This is an announcement of a forthcoming change to the regulations, not a ban that is already in force.

Currently, provided certain conditions are met, an employer may deduct up to 25 per cent of the gross minimum wage towards accommodation. The government points out that the maximum rate is sometimes charged even for accommodation whose standard is questionable. This is particularly important news for those who combine work with agency-provided accommodation: the same company often determines both the number of working hours and the place of residence.

How much can agencies deduct for housing?

In 2026, deductions from the statutory minimum wage to cover accommodation costs must not exceed 25 per cent of the minimum wage due. However, it is not sufficient for the agency simply to include the charge on the payslip. Among other things, written authorisation from the employee is required, specifying the amount and purpose of the deduction. The accommodation itself must meet the required quality standards, and the provider must have the relevant certification or a statutory exemption.

An important detail: the 25 per cent limit applies to deductions from the statutory minimum wage, not as a universal limit on the price of any room. Amounts deducted from the portion of the salary exceeding the minimum wage may be calculated differently. Therefore, when assessing a payslip, it is necessary to distinguish between the total cost of the tenancy and the amount actually deducted from the protected portion of the salary.

Agency housing in the Netherlands: what to watch out for

Accommodation arranged by an agent makes it easier to settle in abroad. New arrivals do not have to deal straight away with security deposits, house-hunting and tenancy formalities. However, this convenience comes at a price when the accommodation is closely linked to employment.

Those who rent privately can usually look for a new job without having to organise a move at the same time, provided, of course, they remain within the terms of their tenancy agreement. An employee living in accommodation arranged by an agency does not always have this luxury. When they are given fewer hours, raise concerns about their working conditions or intend to leave, they must also consider where they will sleep.

This is not a criticism of all agencies. The problem lies in the very imbalance between the parties, which has also been documented in research. A 2022 report by SEO Economisch Onderzoek described cases of high costs for substandard accommodation and fears of reporting irregularities due to dependence on the employer.

How many migrant workers work through employment agencies in the Netherlands?

The SEO Economisch Onderzoek report, published on 17 April 2026 and based on data from 2024, indicates that there were approximately 573,000 economic migrants covered by the survey. Over 315,000 were employed through temporary employment agencies.

Within this group, 45 per cent were Polish nationals, 20 per cent were Romanian, and 10 per cent were Bulgarian. Over 60 per cent of these people were under 35 years of age. These figures relate to employment, not to the number of tenants in agency-provided accommodation. However, they illustrate the breadth of the group that may be affected by the regulations governing the relationship between the agency, the employee and the landlord.

Can the agency evict me from my flat if I lose my job?

Losing your job can leave you facing two problems at once: no income and being told to leave your accommodation. Since 1 July 2023, the Dutch Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap) has required separate employment and rental agreements for new housing arrangements involving migrant workers. This means losing your job should not automatically mean losing your home. However, your exact rights depend on the type of accommodation, your rental agreement and the circumstances.

The opposite can also happen. A worker remains in agency-provided housing but receives no shifts for weeks because there is no work available. Meanwhile, rent continues to be charged and savings gradually run out. This is not necessarily illegal. Likewise, having no shifts does not always mean the employer can stop paying wages. It depends on the rental terms, the type of employment contract and whether any working hours or pay are guaranteed.

New rules for employment agencies in the Netherlands

Ten years ago, migrant workers in the Netherlands had fewer options for reporting problems with their accommodation. Since then, several important steps have been taken to strengthen their rights:

• 2020: A committee led by Emile Roemer published recommendations to improve living and working conditions for migrant workers, including reducing their dependence on employers for housing.
• 1 July 2023: The Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap) came into force, introducing stricter rules for landlords and giving municipalities more powers to address violations.
• 1 January 2024: All Dutch municipalities were required to provide a reporting point where tenants can report unfair or unlawful practices by landlords.

These changes have strengthened legal protections, but more regulations do not automatically mean better living conditions for everyone. To understand how much the situation has actually improved, we would need reliable, comparable data on inspections, reported violations and how effectively the rules are enforced.

New rules for employment agencies in 2027: what is the Wtta?

The Wet toelating terbeschikkingstelling van arbeidskrachten (Wtta) introduces a new licensing system for employment agencies and other companies that supply workers. The law is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027, with a transition period. Enforcement of the new requirements is planned from 2028, and penalties may apply not only to employment agencies but also to businesses that use their services.

The Wtta focuses on regulating the temporary employment sector rather than housing costs directly. However, it is part of a broader effort to improve oversight and hold employment agencies more accountable.

Other changes will affect temporary workers' employment conditions, including pay, contracts and the Dutch employment phase system. You can read more in our article Temporary worker in the Netherlands: new rules for contracts, pay and employment phases.

Why is the Dutch government trying again to end housing deductions?

The idea did not first emerge in September 2026. In 2025, a timetable was presented for gradually reducing the limit by 5 percentage points a year, from the start of 2026 until its abolition in 2030. On 30 October 2025, the government withdrew this plan.

The reason was not immediately obvious: whilst deductions may encourage abuse, they are also linked to quality requirements for accommodation. There were fears that abolishing them too quickly would weaken tenant protection or make it more difficult to organise housing. The new proposal involves combining the ban on deductions with the planned ‘Wet passende huurcontracten’* bill, which aims to strengthen tenants’ position. The date of 1 July 2028 should therefore be regarded as a planned deadline, subject to the legislative process.

Will agency housing be free under the new rules?

No. The ban on deducting rent from the minimum wage does not mean that rent cannot be charged. The agency or landlord may still charge rent in accordance with the relevant tenancy agreement. What is set to change is the way in which it is offset against the statutorily protected portion of the wage. According to official clarifications, certain deductions from wages exceeding the minimum wage may remain permissible.

An employee will therefore not automatically gain as much from the change as the amount previously shown as a deduction on their payslip. The actual effect depends on the rent, the terms of the tenancy agreement and the final version of the new regulations.

Where can I report problems with agency housing in the Netherlands?

The right place to report a problem depends on what has happened. A dispute over rent is handled differently from an issue with unpaid or underpaid wages.

• Municipality (Gemeente – Meldpunt goed verhuurderschap): Report problems with landlords, including intimidation, missing rental documents and poor housing conditions. Municipalities can investigate violations and impose administrative penalties.
• Het Juridisch Loket: Provides legal advice, particularly if an agency tells you to leave your accommodation without notice or there is a dispute over your right to stay. Free legal assistance is available to people who meet certain eligibility requirements. Phone: 0800 8020.
• Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal): Handles certain disputes about rent, additional charges (servicekosten) and problems with the condition of a property. Whether it can handle your case depends on your rental agreement and the type of dispute.
• Stichting Normering Flexwonen (SNF): Accepts complaints about accommodation standards at properties covered by the SNF certification scheme. It does not replace a court or a government authority responsible for resolving rental disputes.
• Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie (Netherlands Labour Authority): Report minimum wage violations, unlawful deductions from protected wages or suspected worker exploitation. Phone: 0800 5151.
• Work in NL: Offers information and guidance for international workers, helping them understand their rights and find the right organisation to contact about employment or housing problems.

What if your agency tells you to move out immediately? Seek legal advice as soon as possible and report the situation to your municipality. If you are being threatened or subjected to violence, contact the police on 0900 8844. In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, call 112.

If you have nowhere to stay, you can also ask your municipality about emergency housing assistance. However, temporary accommodation is not automatically guaranteed.

Keep copies of your employment contract, rental agreement, payslips, messages and photos of your accommodation. When dealing with a housing dispute, written evidence matters much more than verbal promises.

How to stop relying on an employment agency in the Netherlands?

Changing the rules on rent deductions won't suddenly make affordable housing more available in the Netherlands. During your first few months, accommodation provided by an employment agency can make settling in much easier. But if you're planning to stay longer, it's worth exploring ways to become more independent. You don't have to change everything overnight. You can start with a few practical steps.

1. Rent a room independently of your employer

You don't need to rent an entire apartment straight away. Finding a room with your own rental agreement is a good first step towards independence. It means your housing is no longer tied to your job, so losing your position doesn't automatically mean having to move out.

You can look for rooms on platforms such as Kamernet and Pararius, as well as in local Facebook groups. Before paying a deposit, always check the landlord's identity, read the rental agreement carefully and make sure you can register at the address if required.

Not sure where to start? Check out our practical guide to finding accommodation in the Netherlands as a temporary worker for more tips on finding a place to live.

2. Learn Dutch with free or subsidised courses

Even basic Dutch can make a big difference when applying for jobs, speaking with landlords or dealing with your local municipality (gemeente). You don't necessarily have to pay for lessons. Many libraries, local Taalhuis language centres and municipalities offer free or subsidised Dutch courses.

ROC Mondriaan Taal+ provides adult language courses in The Hague, Delft and the Westland region. Free lessons may be available depending on the programme and your eligibility. You can also practise Dutch independently using Oefenen.nl, an online learning platform.

3. Look for work directly with employers

It’s not worth limiting yourself to vacancies suggested by a single recruitment agency. You can check job adverts on Indeed, Werk.nl, LinkedIn and specific companies’ websites. Local social media groups are also useful, including those in your native language, where people share information about recruitment opportunities. However, you must verify the employer, the contract, the pay rate and any fees, as an online recommendation alone is no guarantee of a fair offer.

4. Get certified to access more job opportunities

Changing careers doesn't always mean spending years in education. In sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and construction, qualifications like VCA, forklift operator certificates, aerial work platform (MEWP) training and scaffolding certifications can help you qualify for a wider range of jobs.

A certificate doesn't guarantee employment or a higher salary, but it can open doors to positions you may not have been eligible for before. It's also worth checking whether your current employer offers training or is willing to cover the costs.

5. Don't wait until you lose your job or housing

If you're getting fewer shifts or you've been unhappy with your accommodation for a while, it's worth exploring other options before you lose your income or your place to live.

Start by updating your CV, checking job vacancies and putting some money aside for a rental deposit and initial expenses. Make sure you also understand your notice period and the terms of your rental agreement.

Not everyone can afford to leave an agency immediately. But having a plan and some savings gives you more control over your next steps. It's usually better to prepare for a change than to find yourself without a job or somewhere to stay.

More career opportunities with Bonapi Training Center

At Bonapi Training Center, we provide practical training and certification courses to help you develop skills valued by employers in the Netherlands and Belgium. If you're considering a career change or looking to gain new qualifications, explore our training options:

• VCA Basic and VCA VOL courses
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• Scaffolding training courses

We also offer IPAF, aerial work platform (MEWP), SOG, BHV and other technical training courses.

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