Is energy included in my Dutch rent?
Some Dutch rentals include energy, many do not. Here is how to check, and what to do if it is on you.
Check your rental contract for the words inclusief (included) or exclusief (excluded). Unfurnished rentals are usually exclusive, so you arrange and pay your own energy. If energy sits in the servicekosten (service charges), the landlord arranges it and you pay a monthly amount, often with a settlement at the end of the year. Unless the contract clearly says energy is included, assume it is not, and set up a contract quickly, because supply is often cut about 14 days after the previous tenant closes their account.
How to check
Start with the rental contract. Look for the words inclusief (included) or exclusief (excluded), and for a breakdown that lists utilities, often marked g/w/l (gas, water, licht meaning electricity). If energy is bundled into servicekosten (service charges), the landlord arranges supply and you pay a monthly amount alongside the base rent.
If it is not clearly stated, assume energy is excluded, because unfurnished rentals usually are. The listing and the landlord or agent can confirm it, so ask before you sign if you are unsure.
What each situation means
Included or in the service charges: the landlord arranges supply and you pay a fixed monthly amount. Ask for a year-end utilities statement, because you may have paid too much or too little over the year, and note that the landlord can adjust the amount once a year.
Exclusive: you set up and pay your own energy contract, and you are free to choose any supplier. Do it quickly: when the previous occupant closes their account, the supply is often switched off within about 14 days, so you want your own contract in place before that.
If you have to arrange it yourself
Photograph the meter readings on move-in day, so your first bill starts from the right point and you avoid disputes. Then compare suppliers on the total yearly cost for your usage and postcode, sign up with the one that fits, and give your opening readings. The step by step is in our guide to setting up energy.
One thing to check for a rental: the energy label. A poor label (F or G) usually means higher heating bills and a bigger risk of a large settlement invoice, whatever supplier you pick.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if energy is included in my Dutch rent?
Check the rental contract for inclusief (included) or exclusief (excluded), and for a utilities breakdown, often marked g/w/l (gas, water, electricity). If it is not clearly stated, assume it is excluded and ask the landlord or agent.
What are servicekosten?
Service charges: a monthly amount alongside the base rent for things the landlord arranges. Energy can sit here, in which case you do not sign your own supply contract, but there is usually a settlement at the end of the year.
My rent is exclusive, what do I do?
Set up your own energy contract, and quickly. When the previous occupant closes their account the supply is often switched off within about 14 days, so arrange a contract before then. You are free to choose any supplier.
Can my landlord raise the amount for higher energy costs?
If energy is included or in the service charges, the landlord can adjust the monthly amount once a year. Ask for the year-end utilities statement so you can see whether you paid too much or too little.