The current rules in the housing market state that the landlord may not reject a tenant on the basis of characteristics that are not important for renting the property. For example, someone’s country origin, disability or sexual orientation. It is forbidden to distinguish between rental candidates on the basis of these characteristics.
To combat housing discrimination, landlords must:
- use and publicise a clear and transparent selection procedure
- use non-discriminatory selection criteria
- explain to the rejected prospective tenants why another tenant has been chosen
Landlords are allowed to ask tenants for information that is relevant to them such as:
- first and last name
- address
- telephone number
- email address
- composition of family: living alone, cohabiting, with or without children
- the amount of your total monthly net income
- income certificates
Information that landlords are not allowed to ask about:
- ethnic or cultural background
- religious identity
- political preference
- sexual orientation
- physical or mental health status
If you believe that you have been discriminated against, here are some actions you can take:
Good Landlord Reporting Point
Tenants and house-seekers can report complaints or issues related to the misconduct of landlords or rental agencies here: Goed Verhuurderschap Maastricht. This Reporting Point helps the municipality take appropriate action in response to this undesirable behaviour.
Limburg anti-discrimination platform
You can submit a report to the local platform against discrimination in the Province of Limburg if you have any discrimination complaints.
Maastricht University advisor
Students at Maastricht University can reach out to a confidential student advisor for free. As implied in the name, any information you give them will be strictly confidential. They’ll be able to help and give you advice.
