{
  "id": 13920580,
  "title": "Utrecht weighs tougher measures on landlords after lack of fines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/utrecht-weighs-tougher-measures-on-landlords-after-lack-of-fines",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-12T09:24:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DutchNews",
    "slug": "dutchnews",
    "url": "https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/10/utrecht-weighs-tougher-measures-on-landlords-after-lack-of-fines/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Utrecht has fined only one landlord in the past year, despite receiving almost 200 complaints regarding violations of tenant protection rules. City officials are now considering a tougher approach, inspired by Rotterdam's recent trend of issuing 25 penalties in the second half of the year alone. Rotterdam received 667 complaints in 2025, with fines ranging from €1,000 to tens of thousands per offence. The threat of fines often resolves disputes, as many renters are reluctant to report illegal or abusive practices due to the fear of losing their homes.\n\nUnder the \"good landlord law,\" which came into effect in 2023, landlords cannot discriminate or intimidate tenants. Deposits are limited to two months' basic rent, and service charges may only cover actual costs. Unlike Utrecht, Rotterdam issues warnings before penalties are handed down, aiming to avoid having fines overturned in court due to being too heavy. Research by the Federation of Private-Sector Tenants (FHCS) published last December revealed that Utrecht lacks the resources to investigate abuses independently and relies solely on tenant complaints. Only around half of these complaints are pursued further, often due to a lack of evidence.\n\nFines are uncommon in other major Dutch cities as well. In The Hague, 600 complaints over two and a half years led to dozens of penalty orders, but only 3 fines, which are currently being contested. In Amsterdam, a single fine was issued for intimidating tenants, also subject to challenge. Last October, Utrecht warned a landlord who only rented to working Dutch women that he could face a fine of up to €10,000. While the city has not yet decided whether to follow Rotterdam's lead, it believes fines could deter landlords and prevent repeat offenses.\n\nUtrecht plans to introduce a rental permit in 2028, allowing rents to be checked before a home is let. The city also aims to enhance tenant awareness of their rights and improve its complaints hotline. Every council in the Netherlands is legally required to provide a hotline for complaints about landlords.",
  "summary": "Utrecht fined only 1 landlord last year despite receiving almost 200 complaints for breaking rules designed to protect tenants. The...",
  "key_points": [
    "Utrecht has issued only one landlord fine in the past year despite 200+ complaints.",
    "Rotterdam issued 25 penalties in second half of 2025, compared to Utrecht's one.",
    "Utrecht plans rental permit in 2028 and improved tenant awareness programs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}