Fewer tenants in rent arrears but number of evictions rising
Although the total number of tenants with rent arrears in the Netherlands has slightly decreased, the proportion of those with long-term debt is rising, leading to an increase in evictions. Housing corporations are increasingly employing early intervention strategies and payment plans, but they warn that structural government income policy is needed to prevent further financial hardship for vulnerable households.
A recent monitor by housing association umbrella organization Aedes shows that while the total number of tenants with payment arrears in the Netherlands has slightly decreased, the number of evictions has risen. Last year, approximately 1,400 tenants were evicted from their homes, an increase from 1,300 in the previous period. Although the overall number of tenants struggling to pay rent has stabilized at around 122,000, there is a worrying trend of more tenants falling into long-term debt, with 36 percent now owing more than two months of rent.
Housing corporations are responding by intensifying early intervention efforts, often contacting tenants within a week of missed payments to offer budget coaching or payment plans. Despite these supportive measures and close cooperation with municipalities to address financial difficulties, some situations still require legal intervention. Corporations maintain that eviction is a last resort, often occurring alongside other issues like severe nuisance or illegal activities. With rising arrears reported in early 2026, the sector calls for structural government income policies to support vulnerable households.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
